The political rift between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senator Ireti Kingibe continues to widen, with Wike now declaring Kingibe’s 2027 ambitions dead on arrival.
Citing a lack of “notable initiatives” during her term, Wike’s latest comments add fuel to a fire that began shortly after Kingibe’s 2023 victory.
Their public fallout has been marked by heavy accusations; while Wike vows to unseat her, Kingibe maintains that the Minister is indifferent to the plight of Abuja residents, alleging he has ignored both her security concerns and the territory’s growing water scarcity.
At a media briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Wike linked his forecast about Kingibe’s political future directly to her track record on development.
“I had said it more than one year ago, Senator Ireti, you won’t come back as a senator. That’s why you people don’t like people who tell you the truth. It’s bitter. Let her show one project,” he said.
Wike reiterated that the senator has been notably absent from rural areas where voter turnout is significant.
He also addressed backlash from opposition groups regarding his presence at various polling stations during the latest FCT area council elections.
Dismissing questions about his influence on the electoral process, Wike challenged his critics to prove public dissatisfaction. “And how does it influence [the election]?” he retorted.
“When did Nigerians hold a referendum to say they are unhappy that I, as Chief Security Officer, visited 10 polling units to monitor the situation?”
Wike further shrugged off comparisons to previous FCT ministers, distancing himself from their more hands-off approach to local governance.
Author
Leave a comment