In a bold statement at the flag-off ceremony of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, vowed to unseat the current senator representing the area, Ireti Kingibe, in the 2027 elections. Wike, confident in the accomplishments of the Tinubu administration and his tenure, challenged Senator Kingibe to run again under Abuja, promising that she would face defeat.
Wike criticized Kingibe’s legislative performance, questioning her contributions to the education and health sectors. He emphasized his readiness to contest her popularity and stressed his control over the FCT as the current minister.
The tension between Wike and Kingibe has been palpable since Kingibe, a Labour Party member, won against Wike’s ally Philip Aduda in the 2023 election. Kingibe has accused Wike of sidelining her and neglecting the interests of FCT residents, especially amidst rising insecurity. In response, Wike attributed Kingibe’s criticisms to her disappointment over not being appointed chairperson of the Senate Committee on the FCT.
As the political rivalry intensifies, the upcoming 2027 election promises to be a significant showdown in Abuja’s political landscape. Senator Kingibe has yet to comment on Wike’s recent remarks.