Wike Challenges Senator Kingibe to Campaign Against His Role in Tinubu’s Cabinet

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown down the gauntlet to Senator Ireti Kingibe, daring her to campaign in neighboring FCT communities against his appointment in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if she is confident in her political influence.

The challenge comes in response to Senator Kingibe’s remarks on a television program on Monday, where she labeled President Tinubu’s appointment of Wike as FCT Minister as his “biggest mistake.” In a statement issued on Tuesday by Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, the minister’s aide accused Kingibe of being “blinded by the looming prospect of her electoral defeat” in 2027, claiming her attacks on Wike are a desperate bid to revive her “dead political career.”

Olayinka highlighted Wike’s achievements in the FCT, urging Kingibe to visit communities such as Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Sukuku, Ebo, and Ushafa, which have benefited from new road infrastructure under Wike’s tenure. He also pointed to progress on long-stalled projects, including the relocation of traders from Apo Mechanic Village to a permanent site after over 15 years and ongoing construction along the Apo-Wasa road. Additionally, he noted significant infrastructural development at the Federal Capital Territory University (FCTU) in Abaji, a project abandoned for nearly 15 years, as well as the renovation of 22 schools in the past year, with over 40 others currently underway.

Dismissing Kingibe’s criticisms, Olayinka alleged that the senator, whom he accused of “impersonating” by using the name of her former husband, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, is aware she cannot retain her Senate seat in 2027. He claimed her 2023 election was an “accident” and that the political factors that secured her victory are no longer in play. Olayinka further criticized Kingibe, alleging she mistreats her aides by withholding their wages and entitlements, contrasting her conduct with Wike’s leadership.

Olayinka concluded by advising the 71-year-old senator to “get real,” use her legitimate name, and cease what he described as impersonation. The feud underscores rising tensions between the FCT Minister and the senator as both stake their claims on the region’s political landscape.