Wike to Kingibe: Election is a process, not one-day event

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Senator Ireti Kingibe over her comments on the recent FCT council election, insisting that elections are a continuous process rather than a single-day exercise.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the outcome of elections in the FCT is determined strictly by voters, adding that the February 21 poll should not be assessed in isolation.

“Election is a process that starts from nomination of candidates. It goes through campaigns before it gets to the voting day. So it’s not just about that particular date,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor likened the electoral process to preparing for an examination, stressing that serious contenders begin preparations long before the final day.

“You know an exam is coming in two or three months’ time. Nobody waits until the exam day to prepare. You attend classes and read ahead. It’s the same with elections,” he said.

He added that politicians who fail to prepare often look for excuses, suggesting that some deliberately create distractions when they sense defeat.

Wike also recalled that some political parties had previously argued that the February 21 council poll would shape the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Kingibe had allegedly stated that the local government election would be used to “teach him a lesson” and show that the FCT is not Rivers State.

Addressing claims that he declared a curfew ahead of the election, Wike dismissed the allegation and accused the senator of misrepresenting his remarks.

“I never declared any curfew. I said ‘by the approval of Mr President.’ It was a work-free day approved so that people could travel to their places of origin and not return late,” he said.

Wike maintained that his actions were based on security intelligence available to him in his capacity as minister representing the President.

“As a minister who represents Mr President, the security reports I have, they do not have,” he added.