COMBO: Senator Ireti Kingibe (L) and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike (R)
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has dismissed claims that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, poses a political threat to her ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that her fate at the polls rests solely with voters.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, Kingibe said the former Rivers State governor has no influence over whether she returns to the Senate or not.
“Absolutely no,” the lawmaker said when asked if she felt politically threatened by Wike.
According to her, elections in the FCT are decided by the people, not by political office holders.
“The truth of the matter is that from (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo to now, hardly anybody controls how the people of the FCT vote,” she said.
“Minister Awike cannot make me win, nor can he make me lose, just like he cannot impose anybody on the FCT.
“The FCT is not structured that way. So I’m absolutely not threatened by him,” Kingibe added.
*Defection to ADC*
The senator also explained her decision to leave the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a collective and strategic choice by opposition politicians seeking re-election.
“I moved to the ADC because that’s where all of us who are intending to run, seeking re-election in 2027, from the Labour Party decided to move to, even those who are looking for area council elections,” she explained.
“So to run, you have to have a platform, and the ADC is the viable alternative to the Labour Party if you’re in the opposition. That’s what it is all about.”
Kingibe stressed that her political decisions were not driven by Wike, urging focus on upcoming local government elections.
“It’s not about Minister Wike. Let’s see what happens in the local government elections before he talks about 2027. And I do believe that come 2027, I don’t think the FCT will be his priority; he’ll have other things to do instead of worrying about who returns in the FCT or not,” she stated.
*Concerns Over FCT Governance*
While assessing the minister’s performance, Kingibe pointed out areas she believes require urgent attention, particularly waste management and healthcare.
She lamented the state of health facilities in the FCT, claiming that many lack basic medical supplies.
“But then also, I have issues with health: the hospitals are empty. There’s nothing. I can go with you to several hospitals in the FCT,” she said.
“You’ll see that more than Panadol, you cannot get. All these are issues that affect the well-being of the citizens.”
The senator also called on the minister to place greater emphasis on adherence to the rule of law, noting that governance should always prioritize the welfare of residents.
