Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has told FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe that she will not return to the Senate after the 2027 general election.
Wike made the statement while responding to questions from journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja on Tuesday.
The minister was reacting to Kingibe’s criticism of the FCT Administration’s borrowing, after the senator questioned whether the loans obtained for projects in the capital had received the necessary approval from the National Assembly...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Wike rejected the allegation, insisting that government borrowing must be incorporated into the budget and receive the required legislative approval.
He also criticised Kingibe’s understanding of the borrowing process and questioned the focus of her concerns, arguing that the more important issue should be whether borrowed funds were being used for infrastructure projects that benefit FCT residents.
The disagreement has added to the ongoing public tension between Wike and Kingibe, who have repeatedly disagreed over the administration and development of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike also made a political prediction about Kingibe’s future, saying she would not return to the Senate in 2027. He claimed that FCT residents had already decided to support President Bola Tinubu and former FCT senator Philip Aduda.
The minister has previously expressed support for Aduda, who is seeking the FCT senatorial seat currently occupied by Kingibe. However, Wike’s statement about the outcome of the 2027 election is his political assertion, not an established election result.
Wike further criticised Kingibe’s record as an FCT senator, alleging that she had failed to deliver meaningful development to residents. Kingibe has, however, continued to raise concerns about the administration’s finances and borrowing.
The loan controversy centres on Kingibe’s earlier claim that the FCT Administration had increased its borrowing without her seeing Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval.
Wike maintained that such borrowing could not legally take place without the appropriate approval process, arguing that loans would be reflected in the relevant budget provisions.
A member of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has also defended the FCT Administration against allegations of improper borrowing, saying there was no evidence that Wike breached the required process.
The latest exchange comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify. Wike has openly linked his ongoing inspection of FCT projects to the political season, while Kingibe remains involved in the contest for the FCT Senate seat.
Wike inspected several road projects across Abuja, including the N1 road and routes connecting areas such as Tunga Madaki, Zuba and Kagini. He said the projects were intended to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in communities across the territory.
The dispute between the minister and senator is therefore unfolding on both administrative and political fronts, with their disagreement over FCT borrowing now intersecting with the emerging battle for the 2027 senatorial seat.
