The lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has challenged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to put his achievements to the test of electoral competition.
She stated this while reacting to a comment by the Minister, who had stated that the results of the 2026 council polls in the FCT are already known.
Speaking via a statement shared across her social media account, Kingibe reminded all stakeholders that elections in the FCT are conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), not by the FCT Administration or its political appointees.
She dared Wike to welcome open competition if he genuinely believes in the efficacy of his accomplishments.
The Minister said, “Any insinuation, overt or subtle, that someone other than the electorate can determine the result of an election is a violation of our laws and a betrayal of the public trust.
“It is precisely such attitudes that erode public faith in governance, widen the trust deficit, and inflame tensions that our democracy cannot afford.
“To the Minister, I say this: if you believe in your achievements and truly think that the work of your administration speaks for itself, then you should welcome open competition. You should embrace the process of democratic contest, not fear it.
“What is there to be afraid of if the people are truly satisfied? Why seek to undermine the credibility of the electoral process if you have nothing to hide?”
She noted, “I have today taken steps to formally communicate my concerns…to take note of this dangerous rhetoric and to prepare to closely monitor the electoral environment in the FCT as the elections draw near.”
The lawmaker also urged civil society organisations, political parties, youth groups, and ordinary residents of Abuja not to be disheartened by the minister’s comments but to redouble their efforts to ensure participatory democracy.
“To the political parties, aspirants, civil society actors, youth groups, and voters across Abuja, I urge you: do not be discouraged. This is your land, and this is your fight. The struggle for accountable leadership and credible elections is not one we can afford to walk away from,” she charged.
“Organise, mobilise, and participate. Go door to door. Engage with your communities. Speak boldly. And when the time comes, vote decisively,” she said.
In a defiant note, Kingibe vowed to deploy all available legal and constitutional mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming elections and ensure that the people’s voices are not silenced.
“To the residents of Abuja, I assure you that I remain fully committed to the defence of your rights and the integrity of our electoral process.
“I will use every constitutional and legal means available to me as your representative in the Senate to resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people.
“I will work tirelessly to ensure that the FCT becomes a model of democratic participation, not a symbol of political manipulation,” she said.