By Benjamin Abioye
Senator Ireti Kingibe has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not a political threat to her ahead of the 2027 elections.
She explained that Wike does not have the power to decide whether she wins or loses because voters in the FCT make their own choices.
The senator, who represents the FCT at the National Assembly, rejected claims that her political future is in danger because of Wike. She said clearly that the minister has no influence over her chances of returning to the Senate in 2027.
When asked on Channels Television’s Politics Today if she felt threatened by Wike, she replied, “Absolutely no.” She added that the former Rivers State governor cannot determine election results in the FCT.
According to her, elections in the FCT have always been decided by the people, not by powerful individuals. She said, “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 further stressed that Wike cannot influence her political fate or that of others. In her words, “Minister Awike cannot make me win, nor can he make me lose, just like he cannot impose anybody on the FCT.” She added, “The FCT is not structured that way. So I’m absolutely not threatened by him.”
Kingibe also spoke about her decision to leave the Labour Party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). She explained that the move was based on strategy and not because of Wike. She said, “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 said politicians need a party platform to contest elections and described ADC as a good alternative. According to her, “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.”
The senator insisted that her decision had nothing to do with the FCT minister. She said, “It’s not about Minister Wike. Let’s see what happens in the local government elections before he talks about 2027.” She also added, “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.”
While reviewing Wike’s performance as minister, Kingibe pointed out areas she felt needed improvement. She mentioned waste management and healthcare as key sectors that require more attention in the FCT.
She complained that many hospitals in the FCT lack basic medical supplies. According to her, some health facilities can only provide simple drugs like paracetamol. She said she also expects the minister to respect the law more.
Speaking on the state of hospitals, she said, “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 added, “You’ll see that more than Panadol, you cannot get. All these are issues that affect the well-being of the citizens.”
