Ireti Kingibe attacking Wike over fear of defeat in 2027 polls, says Lere Olayinka

Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the FCT, is already battling the fear of electoral defeat ahead of 2027.

Olayinka said the senator has refused to acknowledge the transformation taking place across Abuja and its satellite towns because she is “blinded by the spirit of impending defeat”.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Olayinka dismissed Kingibe’s recent criticism of Wike, describing her media appearances as acts of desperation.

Kingibe had said during a television interview that President Bola Tinubu’s “biggest mistake” was appointing Wike as minister of the FCT.

Responding, Olayinka asked the senator to visit communities such as Saburi, Dei Dei, Kabusa, Ketti, Yangoji, Pai, Gomani, Gishiri, Kwaita, Yebu, Sukuku, Ebo, and Ushafa to see ongoing development projects.

“She can mount the rostrum in these areas and tell the people that President Tinubu made a mistake by appointing Wike as FCT minister,” he said.

He added that traders in Apo Mechanic Village, who are now being relocated to a permanent site after more than 15 years, as well as residents along the Apo-Wasa road, have reasons to appreciate Wike’s leadership.

“In Abaji, the Federal Capital Territory University, established close to 15 years ago but abandoned, is now witnessing massive infrastructural development,” he said.

“Also, the general renovation of 22 schools has been completed in the last 12 months while renovation of over 40 others is ongoing.”

Olayinka said Kingibe’s refusal to acknowledge these projects stems from her realisation that she may not retain her senate seat in 2027.

“She knows that in 2027, she won’t be able to retain the senate seat she accidentally got in 2023,” he said.

“She knows that the factor that got her to the senate is no longer available and she is desperate to use attacks on Wike to gain political leverage.”