Parties Criticize Wike’s Threat Against Kingibe, Urge Presidential Intervention

Several political figures have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene following a recent threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, aimed at blocking the re-election of Senator Ireti Kingibe in 2027.

The Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned Wike’s remarks, emphasizing that Senator Kingibe was duly elected by the people of the FCT, contrasting her mandate against Wike’s appointed status. Peter Dugwu, Chairman of the LP in the FCT, asserted that Wike’s actions amounted to unwarranted interference in electoral processes.

“We urge President Tinubu to rein in Wike, as he has no authority to dictate the electoral fate of Senator Kingibe,” Dugwu declared in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), criticized Wike’s verbal attack on Senator Kingibe, denouncing it as unnecessary and indicative of political intolerance.

“This is verbal violence. Wike’s statements are baseless; he lacks the mandate to influence electoral outcomes,” Ahmed stated firmly.

In response to the escalating tensions, Chief Chekwas Okorie of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) urged both Wike and Senator Kingibe to prioritize collaboration over conflict for the betterment of the FCT.

“Their public spat undermines the service to the people. They should work together for the collective good,” Chief Okorie remarked.

Wike’s threat came in the aftermath of criticisms leveled by Senator Kingibe against the minister’s development strategies in the FCT. The senator had argued for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the immediate needs of FCT residents beyond infrastructure projects.

While inaugurating the Mabushi Bus Terminal Phase I, Wike responded to the senator’s remarks, promising repercussions for what he perceived as unwarranted criticism.