The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Senator Ireti Kingibe, the FCT’s representative in the Senate, will not return to the red chamber in 2027.
Senator Kingibe has frequently voiced frustrations over what she describes as Wike’s lack of cooperation, accusing him of blocking efforts to bring development and the dividends of democracy to FCT residents.
Speaking to the media on March 2, Wike reaffirmed his stance, saying:
“I said it over a year ago: Senator Ireti, you will not come back as a Senator. People don’t like those who speak the truth—it’s bitter. Let me tell you why. I will go to the satellite towns and communities and ask them: ‘Do you know her? Show me one project!’ They all just attack me.”
Wike added that he has sought collaboration with the Senator but felt it was not reciprocated:
“I want her to be my friend. Is that by force? I want us to collaborate—collaborate on what? Nobody is questioning her position as Senator, just as nobody questions my role as Minister. If I am Minister, I do my duty well. If she is Senator, she should do hers well.”
Responding to claims that he avoids her calls, Wike said he does not even have Senator Kingibe’s phone number.
A video of his statement is available below.
