Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ireti Kingibe, has said she is not threatened by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The FCT senator insisted that no individual controls electoral outcomes in the territory.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Kingibe said the voting pattern in the FCT has historically been independent, noting that neither Wike nor any other political figure can impose candidates on residents.
According to her, the people of the FCT have always determined their leaders, stressing that her political future does not depend on the influence of the minister.
Kingibe further downplayed the minister’s role in the 2027 elections, stating that Wike should focus on ongoing local government elections and other responsibilities, adding that she does not believe the FCT will be his main priority as the next general elections approach.
She said: “Now let’s now talk about my seat. The truth of the matter is that from Obasanjo to now, hardly anybody controls how the people of the FCT votes. Minister Wike cannot make me win, neither can he make me lose, just like he cannot impose anybody on the FCT. FCT is not structured that way, so I’m absolutely not threatened by him.
“I moved to ADC because that’s where all of us who are intending to seek reelection into 2027 from the Labour Party decided to move to, even those who are seeking for council elections that’s from the Labor Party. Most of us asked them to go there.
“So you have to have a platform. And ADC is the vital alternative to Labor Party if you’re in opposition. That’s what it is all about. It’s not about Minister Wike. Wike should first of all, and let’s see what happens in local government election before he talks about 2027. And I do believe that come 2027, I don’t think FCT will be his priority without other things to do, instead of worrying about who returns in the FCT or not.”
