Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has demanded an apology from Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, following Wike’s recent comments threatening her re-election prospects for 2027.
The demand comes amid ongoing tensions between the two officials, who have clashed frequently since assuming their roles.
On July 1, Wike, during the flag-off ceremony for the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, criticized Kingibe’s performance and suggested she would not be re-elected in 2027. He stated, “You said there are no schools and hospitals. You, as a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sectors? I challenge that legislator. If you are very popular, in 2027, come and run under Abuja; we will fail you.”
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Kingibe, responding to Wike’s remarks, expressed her displeasure and insisted on receiving an apology before any collaborative efforts could resume. She said, “He doesn’t obviously understand the concept of the FCT. If he did, it is nothing personal. He says ‘I don’t want to be her friend.’ How does governance translate into friendship?
She further emphasized her stance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, stating, “I’m actually willing to do everything to work with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory as long as he apologises first for saying I should go and hang on a transformer.”
Kingibe criticized Wike’s manner of communication, stating, “With all due respect, I am so much older than him. Even courtesy demands he should speak to me like that.” She reiterated her willingness to work with Wike if he offers a formal apology, noting that without it, “everybody stays in your lane.”
The discord between Kingibe and Wike has been evident since Kingibe, a Labour Party member, defeated Wike’s ally, Philip Aduda, in the 2023 election. Since then, the two have frequently sparred, with Kingibe accusing Wike of neglecting her attempts to communicate and not prioritizing the interests of FCT residents. Wike, on the other hand, has attributed Kingibe’s criticism to her dissatisfaction with not being appointed as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on the FCT.
The ongoing feud highlights the strained relationship between the FCT’s key political figures and underscores the broader challenges in governance and collaboration within the capital territory.
