Wike Dares Senator Kingibe to Tour Abuja Suburbs and Justify Tinubu Regret Claim

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has challenged Senator Ireti Kingibe to visit Abuja’s satellite towns and convince residents that President Bola Tinubu made a mistake by appointing him as minister.

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, threw down the gauntlet in a statement issued on Tuesday, reacting to Kingibe’s comments during a Monday night interview where she described Tinubu’s decision to name Wike as FCT Minister as his “biggest mistake.”

Olayinka accused the senator of ignoring the visible transformation across the FCT, saying she is “blinded by the fear of imminent political defeat.”

“If Senator Kingibe truly believes in her political strength, let her go to Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Sukuku, and other communities where Wike’s administration has constructed roads, and tell the people Tinubu made a mistake,” he said.

Olayinka highlighted several of Wike’s achievements, including plans to relocate Apo Mechanic traders after 15 years of abandonment, development projects at the FCT University in Abaji, and the renovation of over 60 public schools within a year.

He also took a swipe at Kingibe’s political standing, claiming her 2023 Senate victory was accidental and warning she would lose the seat in 2027.

“At 71, she should stop hiding under the name of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, who is no longer her husband, and start using her own name,” Olayinka added.

The exchange reflects growing political tension in the FCT, with Wike solidifying his influence within Tinubu’s administration, while Kingibe intensifies her criticism ahead of the next general election.