Since her election as the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Senator Ireti Kingibe has remained a highly debated figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Her tenure has been characterized by shifting alliances, public confrontations, and questions over her legislative impact, leaving many analysts and constituents uncertain about where she truly stands.
A Disruptive Victory and Political Challenges
Kingibe’s election disrupted the long-standing dominance of Senator Philip Aduda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had held the FCT Senate seat for 12 years. However, some FCT residents and political observers argue that her time in office has yet to translate into significant development for the capital city. Critics accuse her of engaging in what they describe as inconsistent political maneuvers rather than focusing on constituency-driven projects.
Born in 1954, Senator Kingibe comes from an influential background. She is the younger sister of Ajoke Mohammed, wife of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, and was previously married to Babagana Kingibe, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). She holds a degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota, USA, after attending Queen’s College, Lagos, and Washington Irving High School.
Clashes with Wike and Legislative Controversies
One of the most defining moments of her tenure has been her public feud with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Kingibe has repeatedly accused Wike of sidelining her in major decisions concerning the FCT. She argued that the minister was running the territory without consulting elected representatives, particularly herself.
Her confrontations with Wike escalated when she criticized his approach to governance in the FCT, raising concerns over resource allocation and urban renewal projects. In response, Wike reportedly vowed to unseat her in the 2027 election, a sentiment echoed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who advised Wike to “ignore Senator Ireti” during the flag-off of the Kugbo Bus Terminal project.
While some believe her confrontations with the minister reflect her commitment to accountability, others argue that they have distracted her from effectively delivering democratic dividends to FCT residents.
The Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Controversy
Kingibe also found herself in the spotlight over her initial response to allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Akpabio. Initially, she distanced herself from the claims, stating that Natasha had not reached out to her or other female senators. This position was met with criticism, as many expected her to take a stronger stance in support of the Kogi Central senator.
However, following public backlash, Kingibe released a statement titled “My Unwavering Stance for Justice and Women’s Rights”, in which she pledged to champion the case when it reached the Senate. Critics dismissed this as an afterthought, suggesting that her change in stance was driven by public pressure.
State of Emergency Debate and Post-Ratification Criticism
Another incident that drew scrutiny was her response to the Senate’s ratification of the state of emergency in Rivers State. While she did not participate in the debate, she later took to social media to question the method used in the Senate’s approval. She argued that a voice vote could not accurately determine the required two-thirds majority, a position that, while legally sound, raised questions about why she failed to make her argument before the ratification.
Mixed Reactions from Constituents
Opinions on Kingibe’s performance remain divided among FCT residents. Some believe she has yet to fulfill the expectations that brought her to office, while others argue that she is still navigating the complexities of Nigerian politics.
Barrister Abdullahi Jalo, a resident of Nyanya, criticized her perceived lack of impact. “She fought hard for this position, but I have not seen any of her projects. Right now, she is not doing well,” he told KIIN360.
Similarly, political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo expressed disappointment in her tenure so far, stating, “If the FCT minister is commissioning or flagging off projects, you don’t see her there. Instead, you see Aduda. That says a lot.”
However, others believe she needs more time to make a significant impact. Umom S. Samuel, a resident of Abuja, argued that she should not be judged too harshly just yet. “Unlike Aduda, who was in the Senate for 12 years, Ireti has barely completed two years. As a woman in a minority party, she faces unique challenges,” he said.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Professor Abubakar Kari, a political sociologist at the University of Abuja, believes that Kingibe started strong but later lost momentum. “She began well, engaging constituents and raising critical issues. But over time, she has become distracted—perhaps by Wike and other political battles.”
Alhaji Aminu Yakudima also suggested that Kingibe might struggle in 2027 due to her political isolation. “She does not have strong political alliances, and Wike is more likely to support Aduda’s return,” he said.
What Lies Ahead?
As the 2027 election approaches, the big question remains whether Senator Ireti Kingibe can regain political momentum and prove her critics wrong. Will she overcome the opposition from powerful political figures like Wike and Akpabio, or will her tenure be remembered more for controversy than for tangible achievements? Only time will tell.
Efforts to get a response from Senator Kingibe were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to multiple calls and messages from our reporters.
