The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has dismissed speculations that her political future is under threat from the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, insisting that he has no influence over her chances in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Kingibe said Wike could neither determine her victory nor cause her defeat at the polls, stressing that electoral outcomes in the FCT are solely decided by voters.
“Absolutely no,” she said when asked if she felt politically threatened by the minister. “Minister Wike cannot make me win, nor can he make me lose, just like he cannot impose anybody on the FCT.”
She explained that unlike many states, voting patterns in the FCT have historically remained independent of political godfathers.
“The truth of the matter is that from (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo to now, hardly anybody controls how the people of the FCT vote. The FCT is not structured that way. So I’m absolutely not threatened by him,” she added.
Kingibe also explained her defection from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a strategic decision driven by political reality rather than personal issues with Wike.
“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,” she said. “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.”
She further stated that Wike’s political influence would likely be tested in upcoming local government elections before any serious talk about 2027.
“Let’s see what happens in the local government elections before he talks about 2027. I don’t think the FCT will be his priority by then; he’ll have other things to do,” she said.
While assessing the performance of the FCT administration, Kingibe acknowledged efforts in some areas but expressed concern over waste management and healthcare delivery, noting that several health facilities lack basic medical supplies.
“There’s nothing in the hospitals. You can go to several hospitals in the FCT and see that more than paracetamol, you cannot get. These are issues that affect the well-being of the citizens,” she said, adding that she would also like to see greater adherence to the rule of law.
On national politics, Kingibe described herself as a nationalist and pledged to support whoever emerges as the ADC’s presidential candidate in 2027, whether or not it is Peter Obi.
“I joined the ADC as an opposition to support the party and whoever the candidate is. If it’s Peter Obi, very well; if it’s not, whoever it is, we will work for the person,” she said.
She added that while Nigerians may choose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu again in 2027, she believes a strong opposition is essential for democracy.
“I don’t think a one-party state is the best thing for our democracy,” she said.
Commenting on the state of the nation, Kingibe said Nigerians were struggling under the current administration, urging President Tinubu to reassess how his policies—particularly taxation—are affecting ordinary citizens.
“Nigerians are not prospering as they should. We could do with a lot less tax,” she said, adding that while the president’s intentions might be good, policy implementation remained a major challenge.
“There is bound to be some pain, but certain things can be put in place to alleviate the discomfort for the people,” she concluded.
