Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate, has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, saying the people of the territory, rather than any individual politician, will decide who represents them in the Senate after the 2027 election.

Kingibe made the statement in a post on X while responding to Wike’s recent criticism of her.

Wike had said Kingibe would not return to the Senate after the 2027 election and backed former senator Philip Aduda, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the FCT Senate seat.

The minister also attacked Kingibe over her questions concerning borrowing by the FCT Administration, describing her as an “illiterate” and saying she had “nothing to offer” residents of the territory.

Kingibe, however, said she would not be intimidated by the minister’s remarks or political pressure.

“I have never been one to be intimidated by insults, threats, or political pressure, and I will not start now,” she said.

The senator explained that her questions about borrowing, public funds and the activities of the FCT Administration were part of her responsibilities as a legislator.

“My responsibility as a Senator representing the people of the Federal Capital Territory is to ask questions, demand accountability, and defend the constitutional principles upon which our democracy stands,” she said.

“If I raise questions about public borrowing, public funds, or the conduct of government, it is not an act of disrespect; it is part of my duty as a legislator.”

The dispute between the two politicians followed Kingibe’s allegation that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

Kingibe had made the allegation during an interview with Channels Television, where she said she had relied on figures from the Debt Management Office and questioned the increase in the FCT’s domestic debt since Wike became minister.

She said she had never seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for loans allegedly obtained by the FCT Administration.

“I am definitely saying Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly,” Kingibe had said.

“I’m sorry to say, with all due respect to the Senate, of which I’m a member, we’re supposed to oversee him.

“We’re supposed to approve, and I have brought to the attention of the leadership of the Senate that the FCT is borrowing money.

“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly, come before the Senate, to ask for approval for anything. He comes before the FCT Committee, and that’s the only time it ever sat.”

The debt figures cited in the controversy showed that the FCT’s domestic debt was N88.51 billion in September 2023 and stood at N389.88 billion by March 2026. The figures also showed fluctuations during the period, with the debt reaching N94.01 billion in March 2024 before dropping to N53.43 billion in September 2024. It later increased to N78.93 billion in September 2025, N188.86 billion in December 2025 and N389.88 billion in March 2026.

Wike defended the borrowing, arguing that the important issue was how the money was being used rather than the fact that the administration had borrowed.

“If I took a loan, I am using it to work,” the minister said, adding that Kingibe should be concerned about whether the funds were being applied to projects that benefit FCT residents.

The House of Representatives had also rejected Kingibe’s allegation, with its Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, saying there was no evidence that the FCT Administration had breached the required procedures for financing its infrastructure projects.

Kingibe has now challenged Wike to produce evidence of the Senate approval he said was obtained for the loans.

“As for not getting approval for the loans, I dare the FCT Minister to show the people of the FCT, and all, who have asked, the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given,” she said.

“I cannot speak for the House of Representatives but I know that it was NEVER brought before the Senate. The President from whom the Minister derives his powers has always sought approval for ALL loans from the Senate.”

She further argued that holding public office did not exempt anyone from scrutiny, including the FCT minister.

“No Minister, no matter how powerful, is above the law. No public office holder is above scrutiny,” Kingibe said.

She also rejected Wike’s claim that he could determine who would occupy the FCT Senate seat after the next election.

“And no individual has the authority to decide by personal declaration who the people of the FCT will elect in 2027. That decision belongs solely to the people,” she said.

Kingibe also addressed Wike’s description of her as an “illiterate”, saying attacks against women in public office should not be used to discourage them from asking questions or challenging government decisions.

“I also want to make this very clear: attempts to intimidate, silence, or demean women in government are totally unacceptable,” she said.

“Women who choose to serve in public office must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles.”

Kingibe said she would not allow the exchange to distract her from her duties as senator.

“I will not be distracted by personal attacks. I will continue to speak when the interest of the FCT demands it, scrutinise matters that require scrutiny, and stand firmly for the people I represent,” she said.

“I did not enter public service to be intimidated. I entered it to serve.”

She said that the outcome of the 2027 Senate election would be determined by voters in the territory.

“The will of the people of the FCT will prevail on the day of the election,” Kingibe said.