Senator Ireti Kingibe has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of adopting what she described as an autocratic administrative style and an unwillingness to collaborate with other public officials. The lawmaker representing the FCT in the National Assembly said her repeated attempts to engage the minister on governance matters have not yielded positive responses, raising concerns about cooperation ahead of key electoral activities in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Senator Kingibe maintained that effective governance in the FCT requires consultation and teamwork. Her remarks come amid preparations for local government elections and bye-elections scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Governance Dispute and Allegations of Autocracy in FCT Administration
Ireti Kingibe said she has formally written several letters to Nyesom Wike expressing her readiness to work with him in delivering what she described as the “dividends of democracy” to residents of the FCT. According to her, those overtures have not been met with constructive engagement.
The senator alleged that the minister’s approach to governance excludes collaboration not only with her office but also with officials within the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and other key administrative structures. She argued that governance should not be centered on the preferences of a single officeholder but should reflect collective input and institutional processes.
Kingibe further stated that political outcomes in the FCT are ultimately determined by voters, asserting that the minister’s political influence cannot single-handedly decide electoral victories or losses. She maintained that her focus remains on governance rather than political rivalry.
Curfew Declaration Sparks Debate Ahead of Elections
Tensions between the two public officials intensified following the minister’s announcement of a temporary curfew ahead of the February 21 local government elections in the FCT. In a nationwide broadcast, Wike declared Friday a work-free day and imposed a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday, citing the need to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Senator Kingibe, however, described the 22-hour curfew as unnecessary and disproportionate. She argued that the FCT is not currently facing security threats significant enough to justify such a measure. According to her, previous events, including public protests, did not prompt similar restrictions.
She also expressed concern about the potential diplomatic implications of a prolonged restriction of movement in Abuja, home to embassies, high commissions, and regional institutions such as the ECOWAS Secretariat. In her view, the decision could disrupt routine activities without sufficient justification.
INEC Preparations and Broader Electoral Context
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct elections across the six area councils of the FCT, alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies in Rivers State, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Security agencies have reportedly been mobilized to maintain order during the electoral process. While the minister’s office framed the curfew as a preventive security measure, critics argue that electoral preparedness and existing security arrangements should suffice.
As the elections approach, the disagreement between the senator and the minister underscores broader debates about governance style, intergovernmental cooperation, and the balance between security measures and civil liberties in Nigeria’s capital.
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