The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the National Assembly after the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister also criticised Kingibe over her allegations concerning loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
Wike Defends FCT Loans
Kingibe had accused the FCT Administration of securing loans without the approval of the National Assembly.
In response, Wike insisted that all loans obtained by the administration followed due process and received the required legislative approval.
He also criticised the senator personally, describing her as “illiterate.”
Wike said loan-related provisions were included in the relevant budgets and that the administration could not obtain such facilities without National Assembly approval.
Minister Backs Philip Aduda
Wike further said he did not consider it necessary to continue responding to Kingibe’s allegations.
He claimed that FCT residents had already decided to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Philip Aduda, whom he identified as his preferred candidate for the FCT senatorial seat.
The minister said he expected Kingibe to leave the Senate after the 2027 election.
“I don’t want to comment about her. When the time is right, let her pack her bags out,” Wike said.
He also described Kingibe as a politician who had allegedly failed to meet the expectations of her constituents.
Kingibe’s Allegations
The disagreement followed Kingibe’s accusation that the FCT Administration had taken loans without obtaining the necessary approval from the National Assembly.
Wike rejected the allegation and maintained that the administration’s borrowing arrangements were properly authorised.
The report does not include a response from Kingibe to Wike’s latest remarks.
The political disagreement comes as preparations and alignments continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
