The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, has said there is growing resentment among Abuja residents towards the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of being disconnected from the needs of the people.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Kingibe claimed Wike’s style of leadership has failed to endear him to the people, insisting that the minister is widely unpopular across the territory.
According to her, the FCT area council elections scheduled for early 2026 will serve as a litmus test for Wike’s performance and acceptance among the residents.
Kingibe said, “Most of Abuja is pitch dark. So, I go there and put solar lights in some areas just to light up the place so that young people will at least feel safer. You can’t keep them indoors forever.
“They will come to me, give me awards and thank me for looking out for them.
“It’s not that Wike wouldn’t do it. He just doesn’t know what they need.”
Citing specific examples, the senator said, “I know Karu market is pitch dark, and I put lights there. Communities will write to me, saying, ‘There’s so much insecurity around this place; a few lights will make a difference.’ So, I provide them. Solar lights are cheap, but how many can I afford to put? Where I can put one, the minister can put a thousand. Do you see the difference?”
Kingibe said the upcoming local government elections will reveal whether Wike truly has influence in the capital.
“That is when the people of the FCT show ministers, ‘We like you or we don’t like you.’ The local government election will tell whether Wike controls the FCT — because nobody does,” she said.
“It’s only people who’ve lived here for a long time that know the people of the FCT have independent minds. Walk the streets and you’ll know that the one thing that unites us all here is our resentment of the minister.
“It’s not just about development — it’s about being treated with levity, disregard, and contempt.”
Wike, who was appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023, has faced criticisms over his demolition policies and his perceived lack of engagement with the grassroots.
Senator Kingibe’s comments further highlight the tension between elected representatives and appointed officials over how best to address the capital’s challenges.
