“I Know She Doesn’t Read, She Reads Only Love Magazines” — Wike Blasts Kingibe Over FCT Election Restrictions

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sharply criticised the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over her comments on movement restrictions during the just-concluded area council elections in the capital.

Wike spoke on Monday during his first monthly media briefing of 2026 in Abuja, where he addressed allegations that he imposed a curfew ahead of the polls.

The minister denied the claim and insisted that the directive restricting movement from 8 p.m. was issued with the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

Responding to Kingibe’s remarks, Wike said: “I know she doesn’t read, she reads love magazines and all those things. If she heard my speech, I said by the approval of Mr President.”

He explained that the president approved a work-free day to enable residents travel to their respective area councils to participate in the election and return early, rather than making late journeys on Saturday.

“As a minister who represents Mr President, the security reports I have, they do not have it,” Wike added, noting that the decision was informed by intelligence assessments aimed at preventing violence.

He maintained that he never declared a curfew or public holiday, stressing that the restriction of movement from 8 p.m. was a precautionary security measure. According to him, such directives are not unprecedented during elections when there are concerns about public safety.

Wike also referenced earlier comments attributed to Kingibe suggesting that the local government election would be used to challenge his influence in the FCT. He said political actors who made such statements should have been adequately prepared for the electoral process.

The minister concluded that the measures taken were solely in the interest of maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful election across the territory.