Nyesom Wike Denies Illegal Loan Claims, Predicts Kingibe's Defeat

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike dismissed allegations from Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the required approval of the National Assembly. During inspections of road projects in Abuja, including the N1 road and stretches from Tunga Madaki to Zuba and Kagini, Wike maintained that all borrowing followed due process and was approved through the budget. He characterized Kingibe as an "illiterate" and argued that her criticisms were politically motivated following the lifting of the campaign ban for upcoming elections.

Kingibe's allegations, based on data from the Debt Management Office, claimed Wike bypassed legislative oversight. However, the House of Representatives, via Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese, rejected these claims, stating there was no evidence that borrowing procedures were violated. Wike asserted that Kingibe has "failed in all ramifications" to represent FCT residents and predicted she would not return to the Senate in 2027.

Wike stated that FCT residents support President Bola Tinubu and Philip Aduda, the preferred candidate for the senatorial seat. He argued that the administration's infrastructure projects serve as a campaign for the presidency and Aduda, suggesting that the focus should remain on the effective application of funds toward development rather than the act of borrowing.