Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has again told FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe that he does not expect her to return to the National Assembly after the 2027 elections, while rejecting her criticism of loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
Wike made the remarks while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday. His comments followed criticism from Kingibe over the administration’s borrowing and whether the loans had received the necessary legislative approval.
Wike disputed the senator’s position, insisting that the loans obtained by the FCT Administration were approved through the National Assembly’s budgetary process. He also questioned the focus on borrowing, arguing that attention should instead be directed toward how the funds are being used and the projects being delivered.
The minister further criticised Kingibe’s political relevance and claimed that FCT residents would support former senator Philip Aduda in the 2027 senatorial contest. That statement represents Wike’s political assessment rather than an independently verified indication of how FCT voters will vote.
Wike also linked the timing of Kingibe’s criticism to the beginning of political activity ahead of the 2027 elections. He pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, including road construction and rehabilitation, as evidence of the administration’s work.
During the inspection, Wike visited projects involving the N1 road and routes connecting communities including Tunga Madaki, Zuba and Kagini. He said completing the projects would improve economic activity and benefit residents of the affected communities.
The exchange between Wike and Kingibe reflects an ongoing public disagreement over the FCT’s finances, infrastructure spending and political direction ahead of the 2027 elections. While Wike has defended the administration’s borrowing and projects, Kingibe has continued to raise questions about the government’s financial decisions.
Wike’s statements concerning Kingibe’s future in the Senate and the likely preferences of FCT voters should therefore be understood as his own political position. The eventual outcome of the 2027 senatorial contest will be determined by voters during the election.
Source: Vanguard News.