2027: Kingibe Challenges Wike Over Senate Return, Loan Approval

• Says No One Can Intimidate Her Over Accountability Questions

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pushed back against comments by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that she would not return to the Senate in 2027, insisting that her political future would be decided by the electorate.

Kingibe also challenged the minister to produce evidence showing that loans she questioned were duly approved by the National Assembly.

The senator’s reaction followed Wike’s declaration that residents of the FCT had resolved to support former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat in the 2027 election.

Wike made the statement on Tuesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the nation’s capital, days after Kingibe questioned the process through which the Federal Government was obtaining loans without, according to her, the approval of the National Assembly.

The minister dismissed the senator’s position, arguing that her comments demonstrated a lack of understanding of the procedure for securing government loans. He also criticised her performance as FCT senator.

Responding in a post on X on Thursday, Kingibe said she would not be deterred from carrying out her constitutional responsibilities by political pressure, threats or criticism.

She maintained that questioning government expenditure and borrowing was part of her responsibility as a legislator and should not be interpreted as an attack on the executive.

“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.

Kingibe subsequently challenged Wike to make public the Senate’s Votes and Proceedings showing when the loans in question were presented to and approved by the chamber.

“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 said.

“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was never brought before the Senate,” she added.

On the minister’s comments about her chances of returning to the Senate in 2027, Kingibe maintained that no individual could determine the outcome of an election ahead of the voters.

She also argued that public officials, regardless of their positions or political influence, should remain subject to scrutiny over their actions and decisions.

“No minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” Kingibe stated.

The exchange comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with both politicians maintaining opposing positions on the senator’s legislative interventions and her political future.