The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said FCT 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 was responding to allegations by Kingibe concerning loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
Wike Defends FCT Loans
Kingibe had accused the FCT Administration of obtaining loans without the required approval.
Wike rejected the allegation and said all loans secured by the FCT Administration followed due process.
He also insisted that the National Assembly approved the loans through the appropriate budgetary process.
According to Wike, borrowing by the FCT Administration must be reflected in the budget and receive legislative approval.
Minister Attacks Kingibe
Wike also criticised Kingibe personally during his response.
He described the senator as an “illiterate” and questioned her contribution to the people of the FCT.
The minister further said he expected Kingibe to leave the Senate after the 2027 election.
Wike also claimed that FCT residents had decided to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Philip Aduda for the senatorial seat.
Political Dispute Continues
The latest comments are another public exchange between Wike and Kingibe over the administration of the FCT.
Wike said he did not want to continue responding to the senator, adding that he considered the matter beneath his attention.
However, he reiterated his position that the FCT’s borrowing followed the required approval process.
The dispute comes as political parties and politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
