Wike Dismisses Kingibe’s 2027 Confidence, Says Elections Require Structure

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken aim at the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over her remarks concerning the recent area council election, arguing that elections should be understood as a continuous process rather than a single day’s event.

Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, the former Rivers State governor emphasised that electoral outcomes in the FCT are decided strictly by the electorate, not by political actors.

Wike maintained that the February 21 council poll cannot be assessed in isolation, noting that every election begins long before voters head to the ballot.

“An election starts from candidate nomination. It progresses through campaigns before it finally gets to voting day. So it’s not just about that one date,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with academic examinations, the minister stressed that credible contenders prepare well ahead of time rather than waiting until the final moment.

“If you know your exams are in two or three months, you don’t wait until the exam day to prepare. You attend classes and study in advance. It’s a process,” he explained.

He added that individuals who fail to prepare often seek excuses to justify their shortcomings. “That is why some students who are not ready for exams look for reasons like a strike so they won’t have to sit for it,” he said.

Wike also recalled that certain political parties had previously suggested that the February 21 council election would serve as a litmus test for the 2027 general elections.

He further alleged that Kingibe had earlier vowed to use the local government poll to “teach him a lesson,” insisting that the FCT is different from Rivers State.

Addressing claims that he imposed a curfew, the minister dismissed the allegation, accusing the senator of misinterpreting his remarks.

“The moment she made that statement, I knew she hadn’t listened carefully. In my speech, I clearly said ‘by the approval of Mr President,’” he stated.

According to Wike, the directive referenced was based on presidential approval granting residents a work-free day, allowing them to travel to their states of origin without returning late ahead of Saturday’s activities.

“I never declared any curfew. It was simply an approval for a work-free day so people could travel conveniently,” he clarified.

The minister concluded by noting that, in his capacity as the President’s representative in the FCT, he acts on the basis of security briefings available to him.

“As minister representing Mr President, I rely on the security reports at my disposal — reports others may not have access to,” he said.