The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, will not return to the Senate after the 2027 general election.

Wike made the statement on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the FCT.

The minister was reacting to Kingibe’s criticism of the FCT Administration’s borrowing for infrastructure projects, particularly her allegation that loans were obtained without the approval of the National Assembly.

Wike rejected the allegation, saying government borrowing must be captured in the budget and receive the necessary legislative approval.

“She is an illiterate, with all due respect, and that is why she is not going back to the Senate. She has nothing to offer to the people of the FCT,” Wike said.

He added that residents had already made their choice ahead of the 2027 election, claiming that they would support President Bola Tinubu and former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat.

“I don’t want to comment about her. When the time is right, let her pack her bags out. The people have made their choice by agreeing to support President Tinubu, and then will support Philip Aduda for Senate,” he said.

Wike, who has previously expressed support for Aduda’s return to the Senate, said the focus should be on whether borrowed funds were being used to execute projects that benefit residents.

“I thought she would criticise that I am doing nothing. So, if her problem is that I took a loan, if I took a loan, I am using it to work,” the minister said.

Kingibe had earlier alleged that the FCT Administration was obtaining loans without the required approval of the National Assembly. She said her position was based on information from the Debt Management Office covering the period from August 2023 to March 2026.

The House of Representatives subsequently dismissed the allegation. Its Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, said there was no evidence that Wike had violated the required procedures in financing FCT infrastructure projects.

Agbese maintained that borrowing for infrastructure was not unlawful where the prescribed approvals and procedures were followed.

Wike also linked Kingibe’s criticism to the commencement of the campaign period for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

He said the ongoing inspection and execution of infrastructure projects could also serve as a way of showcasing the Tinubu administration’s achievements in the FCT.

“When is the time to campaign? Look at what we are doing. That is the campaign,” Wike said.

Speaking on the projects inspected, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the N1 road and other stretches covering Tunga Madaki to Zuba and Kagini.

He said the completion of the projects would have a direct economic impact on residents of affected rural communities by improving transportation, economic activities and access to other parts of the FCT.

Wike added that improving roads and other infrastructure would enhance the quality of life of residents, stressing that the happiness and wellbeing of the people remained the essence of governance.