The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown down the gauntlet to the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, daring her to visit satellite towns and campaign against his role in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if she is confident in her political relevance.

 

Wike’s challenge came through a statement released on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in response to Senator Kingibe’s criticism during a recent television interview. Kingibe had described Wike’s appointment as FCT Minister as President Tinubu’s “biggest mistake.”

 

Olayinka, in a fiery rebuttal, dismissed her comment as a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant, accusing her of failing to acknowledge the significant infrastructural transformation taking place across Abuja and its suburbs under Wike’s leadership.

 

“It is funny that someone impersonating by using the name of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, who is no longer her husband, thinks that appearing on TV to insult Wike will revive her dying political career,” Olayinka stated.

 

 

 

He urged Kingibe to visit communities such as Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Sukuku, Ebo, and Ushafa — areas he claims have benefitted from newly constructed roads and other infrastructure — and tell residents there that Tinubu erred in choosing Wike.

 

Olayinka highlighted projects such as:

 

The relocation of traders at Apo Mechanic Village after a 15-year delay;

 

Major progress on the Apo-Wasa Road;

 

Revival of the long-abandoned Federal Capital Territory University in Abaji;

 

Renovation of 22 public schools with over 40 more undergoing upgrades.

 

 

He accused Kingibe of harboring fears about losing her Senate seat in 2027, alleging she no longer enjoys the support that brought her victory in 2023.

 

“She knows she cannot retain that seat in 2027. The factors that helped her are no longer in play,” he said.

 

 

 

In a personal jab, Olayinka accused the Senator of mistreating her aides by withholding their salaries and claimed she is engaging in “identity fraud” by using the surname of her estranged husband.

 

> “At 71, a woman should use her legitimate name and stop hiding behind one that no longer applies to her,” he concluded.

 

This fiery exchange underscores deepening political tensions between Wike and Senator Kingibe as the 2027 general elections approach. While Kingibe raises questions about Wike’s appointment, the FCT Minister’s camp insists that the current administration’s achievements in Abuja speak for themselves. The coming months may reveal whether performance or political rhetoric will sway public opinion in the nation’s capital.