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By Oscar Okhifo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Abuja’s 2023 senatorial choice of Ireti Kingibe, declaring: “You elected a senator you can’t see,” while urging stakeholders to support Senator Philip Aduda for a return to the National Assembly.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during an appreciation visit by the Abuja FCT Stakeholders Assembly, led by the Ona of Abaji and Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, Dr. Adamu Yunusa, where he was conferred with the traditional title of “Hasken Abuja” (The Light of Abuja) in recognition of his infrastructure drive and support for traditional institutions.
He faulted the outcome of the 2023 senatorial election in the FCT, insisting it had weakened effective representation.
According to him, many communities were now without a responsive link to the National Assembly, forcing stakeholders to channel their demands directly to the FCT Administration.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said the current representation had not maintained close contact with grassroots stakeholders.
“You made a mistake last time; you elected a senator you can’t see, one who cannot engage traditional rulers or organise the indigenous community to understand their needs,” Wike said.
He added that effective representation required accessibility and strong engagement with constituents, noting that many community concerns were now being directed to him as minister.
Backing Aduda’s return, Wike stressed that experience and legislative ranking remained critical to effective representation, adding that the senator’s long service in the National Assembly placed him in a stronger position to influence colleagues and attract development to the FCT.
He also dismissed the ambition of a newly elected council chairman reportedly eyeing the Senate seat, describing the move as premature and lacking the required legislative experience.
Wike linked his position to ongoing federal projects in the FCT under President Bola Tinubu, noting that despite what he described as limited support from the territory in 2023, key infrastructure projects were being implemented across communities.
Political observers say Wike has consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the FCT’s 2023 senatorial choice and often insists that the “mistake” will be corrected under his watch.
They also note that Senator Aduda has frequently appeared alongside the minister at official engagements, while the sitting senator has repeatedly raised concerns about limited cooperation from the FCT Administration in delivering democratic dividends.
The development has further heightened political tensions in the FCT, where the senator is also said to be engaged in internal disputes within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) structure.
Analysts believe the coming political contest in the FCT could be highly competitive, especially following recent Area Council elections in which candidates backed by the minister recorded strong victories. The territory is therefore expected to be a key political battleground ahead of the next electoral cycle.