Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Nyesom Wike, has declared that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the
Senate in the next election, intensifying the ongoing political tension between
the two leaders.
Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the National
Assembly, was elected in 2023 under the platform of the Labour Party but has
since defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The rift between both figures has largely centered on
governance and development in the FCT. Kingibe recently accused the minister of
being uncooperative in efforts to execute projects for residents. Speaking on Politics
Today on Channels Television, she alleged that despite writing to Wike
seeking collaboration to improve infrastructure and services, she had not
received a constructive response.
“She Won’t Come Back” — Wike
Responding during a media briefing in Abuja, Wike
stood by a prediction he said he made over a year ago.
“I had said it more than one year ago, Senator Ireti,
you won’t come back as a senator. That’s why you people don’t like people who
tell you the truth. It’s bitter. Let her show one project,” Wike stated.
He further claimed that the senator has not been
sufficiently visible in satellite communities, areas he described as having
significant voter turnout during elections.
Defends Polling Unit Visits
The controversy also extends to Wike’s presence at
polling units during the February 21 FCT area council elections. Opposition
parties criticized his movements, suggesting they could influence the process.
However, Wike defended his actions, insisting that as
FCT Minister and Chief Security Officer of the territory, he has the authority
to monitor activities across polling units.
“I have the rights, I am the governor of 3,000 polling
units. For security, I have to find out what is going on. I am not a candidate
for the election,” he said.
He argued that even if he visited about 10 polling
units out of roughly 3,000 across the FCT, such visits could not have altered
the overall outcome.
Wike maintained that the opposition’s poor
organization contributed to their performance, adding that the success of the
All Progressives Congress in the elections reflected the effectiveness of
President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The exchange underscores growing political friction
within the FCT ahead of future elections.
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