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Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rejected Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike’s claim that she will not return to the Senate in 2027, saying the decision belongs to voters.
Kingibe also said she would not be intimidated into silence by what she described as insults, threats or political pressure.
She made the remarks on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in a post on X, following Wike’s comments about her political future and her criticism of the FCT Administration’s borrowing.
Wike had on Tuesday said Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027, claiming that FCT residents had chosen former senator Philip Aduda for the senatorial seat.
The minister made the statement while inspecting ongoing road projects in the FCT, after Kingibe questioned the approval process for loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
Wike dismissed her concerns, saying they demonstrated a lack of understanding of how government borrowing is secured. He also said Kingibe had “nothing to offer” the people of the FCT.
Responding, Kingibe said no individual had the authority to determine who the people of the FCT would elect in 2027.
“And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” she said.
The senator said her criticism of public borrowing was part of her constitutional responsibility as a legislator.
“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator,” she said.
Kingibe also challenged Wike to provide evidence that the Senate had approved the loans she questioned.
“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given,” she said.
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“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate.”
The dispute over the FCT’s borrowing began in August when Kingibe alleged that the administration had obtained loans without the required approval of the National Assembly.
Wike has maintained that government borrowing for FCT projects was incorporated into the budget and subjected to legislative approval. A House of Representatives spokesperson, Philip Agbese, also defended the minister, saying the borrowing process followed due procedure.
Kingibe, however, insisted that no public official was beyond scrutiny.
“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” she said.
She also criticised attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office who raise questions about government policies.
“I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government are totally unacceptable,” Kingibe said.
The senator vowed to continue scrutinising government activities and speaking on issues affecting FCT residents despite the disagreement with Wike.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve,” she said.
Kingibe added that the outcome of the 2027 senatorial election would ultimately be determined by the electorate.
“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” she said.
