Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has responded to recent comments by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over the 2027 Senate election.
Kingibe said the decision on who will represent the FCT in the Senate after the 2027 election belongs to the electorate and not to any individual political leader.
The senator made the statement in response to comments by Wike, who had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate after the next election and expressed support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the seat.
The disagreement between the two politicians has also centred on borrowing by the FCT Administration.
Kingibe had questioned the level of borrowing by the territory’s administration and raised concerns over the approval process for loans. She said her position was based on her responsibility as a senator to scrutinise public finances and hold government institutions accountable.
According to the senator, asking questions about public borrowing and the management of public funds should not be interpreted as disrespect towards the FCT minister.
She further challenged Wike to provide evidence of approval by the Senate for the loans she alleged had been obtained by the FCT Administration.
The controversy followed figures cited in the debate showing that the FCT’s domestic debt increased from N88.51 billion in September 2023 to N389.88 billion by March 2026. The figures also recorded fluctuations during the period.
Wike, however, defended the borrowing, arguing that attention should be focused on how borrowed funds were being utilised rather than simply on the fact that the administration had obtained loans.
The House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, also rejected Kingibe’s allegation, saying there was no evidence that the FCT Administration had violated the required procedures for financing its infrastructure projects.
Kingibe, in her latest response, maintained that no public official should be beyond scrutiny.
She said her role as senator included asking questions, demanding accountability and defending constitutional principles.
The senator also rejected Wike’s assertion that he could determine who would occupy the FCT Senate seat after the 2027 election.
According to her, the outcome would ultimately be determined by voters in the territory when they cast their ballots.
Kingibe also objected to Wike’s description of her as an “illiterate,” saying political disagreements should not be used to intimidate or silence women serving in public office.
She maintained that she would continue to raise issues concerning the interests of FCT residents despite criticism from political opponents.
The dispute between Kingibe and Wike comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify.
The FCT Senate seat is expected to attract significant political attention, with different political parties and aspirants positioning themselves ahead of the election.
For Kingibe, however, the final decision rests with the electorate, who will determine the outcome when the election is held.
The senator said she remained focused on her legislative responsibilities and would continue to scrutinise issues affecting the FCT.
The exchange has further highlighted the political contest surrounding the territory ahead of 2027, as lawmakers, political parties and government officials continue to debate governance, public spending and representation in the FCT.
