Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has responded to comments by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike about the 2027 Senate election, insisting that the decision on who represents the territory belongs to voters.
Kingibe made the statement on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while responding to Wike’s comments that FCT residents had already made their choice ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate and expressed support for former FCT senator Philip Aduda.
Kingibe, however, said no individual could determine the outcome of an election through a personal declaration.
“No individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people.”
Kingibe Defends Scrutiny of Government
The senator also defended her criticism of government borrowing, saying questioning public funds and government activities was part of her responsibility as a legislator.
“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator.”
She said she would continue to raise issues affecting residents of the FCT and demand accountability from public officials.
Disagreement Over FCT Loan Approvals
The latest exchange followed a disagreement between Kingibe and Wike over the approval process for loans obtained by the FCT Administration.
Kingibe had questioned the borrowing and said she had not seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for the loans.
Wike rejected the allegation, arguing that government borrowing is incorporated into the budget and subjected to National Assembly approval.
The House of Representatives’ Deputy Spokesperson, Philip Agbese, has also disputed Kingibe’s allegation, saying there was no evidence that the FCT Administration violated the required procedures in financing its infrastructure projects.
Kingibe Challenges Wike to Produce Senate Records
Kingibe has now challenged Wike to provide documentary evidence showing that the Senate approved the loans in question.
She specifically asked him to produce the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings for the day the alleged approval was granted.
“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given.”
She added:
“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives, but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate.”
“I Will Not Be Intimidated”
Kingibe also criticised what she described as attempts to intimidate or silence women in public office.
She said she would not be distracted by personal attacks and would continue to scrutinise issues affecting the FCT.
“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.”
The dispute between Kingibe and Wike comes amid disagreements over FCT borrowing, government spending and the political contest surrounding the 2027 Senate election.