Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared that Ireti Kingibe will not secure a return to the Senate in 2027, insisting he stands firmly by his earlier position.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Wike criticised the senator representing the FCT at the National Assembly, arguing that her tenure has fallen short in terms of accountability and tangible service delivery.
“Senator Ireti Kingibe will not come back as senator of the FCT. I still maintain that position,” Wike said confidently, challenging her performance record.
The minister also dismissed claims by Kingibe that he ignored her attempts to contact him.
According to Wike, he does not even have her phone number and has no interest in political pretence.
“I don’t even know her number. I’m not the kind of person who pretends,” he stated. “Today is March 2 — mark it.
When the time comes, my report card will be there for everyone to see. Her report card should also be there. What exactly did she do as a senator?”
Wike stressed that his priority as FCT minister is not personal relationships but measurable development across communities, particularly in satellite towns and underserved areas.
He said his focus remains on delivering visible results rather than engaging in political exchanges.
“I want to go to the satellite towns and communities so residents can see what has been done. I’m not here to trade words with anyone,” he said. “Friendship is not by force. What matters is collaboration — and collaboration must be based on performance.”
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Reaffirming his stance, Wike noted that public office holders must justify their mandates through concrete achievements, adding that leadership should never take the electorate’s expectations for granted.