Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has admitted the challenges she faces as one of the few women in the National Assembly. Speaking at the 8th edition of the Voice of Women (VOW) conference and awards in Abuja, with the theme “Achieving Women’s Inclusion for a Sustainable Nigeria,” Kingibe revealed that lobbying and overcoming barriers to get things done have become a major focus of her work.
Despite these challenges, she defended her efforts, noting her significant achievements in the FCT. According to the senator, she has empowered 10,000 people, is constructing a 50-bed hospital, establishing ICT centers in Gwagwalada and Nyanya, and has personally funded the purchase of 2,000 JAMB forms for students.
Kingibe’s comments came in response to criticism from rural women and female farmers in the FCT, who accused her of abandoning the women who supported her during her campaign. Speaking anonymously, one of the women expressed disappointment, stating that many women cast their votes for Kingibe because they believed in her potential to bring about meaningful change. However, they now feel ignored and unappreciated.
“We voted for her because we believed in her capabilities as a woman and hoped she would bring new leadership,” the woman said. “But since the election, we haven’t heard from her. There have been no town hall meetings, no thank you to the local women who supported her.”
She went on to explain that during the campaign, women leaders in rural communities were mobilized to ensure that women turned out to vote for Kingibe. “But now,” she added, “those same women leaders have been left behind. We feel forgotten.”
According to the anonymous speaker, many of the women expected follow-up meetings, empowerment programs, or at least a token of appreciation for their efforts. “It’s not just about the election; it’s about what happens after. We hoped for trainings, skills acquisition programs, and opportunities for our children, but none of that has materialized,” she said.
In response, Senator Kingibe defended her record and expressed frustration at the accusations. “For the record, I am the only woman elected in the FCT,” she said. “There seems to be a misconception about what people expect from governance. I am primarily a legislator, and my responsibility is to pass bills that benefit my constituents.”
Kingibe elaborated on her legislative work, highlighting several bills she has introduced that are still awaiting passage, including one to establish a nursing and midwifery school in Gwagwalada and another to provide free maternal healthcare for women in the FCT. “I have several bills still pending, but people don’t seem to understand that legislation takes time,” she explained.
She also reiterated that being a woman in the National Assembly presents unique difficulties. “It’s hard,” she said. “Lobbying and pushing for things to get done takes a lot of time and effort, especially when you’re a woman in a male-dominated environment. But that hasn’t stopped me from making progress.”
Kingibe’s efforts to balance legislative work with grassroots development are, in her view, being overlooked. She emphasized that beyond lawmaking, she has made strides in community development, including building health facilities and creating educational opportunities for young people in the FCT.
“I am not ignoring anyone,” Kingibe said. “I have empowered 10,000 people, built ICT centers, and I’m constructing a 50-bed hospital. These are real, tangible results. It’s not that I haven’t done anything—it’s that people want immediate results, and that’s not always possible in governance.”
The senator acknowledged the frustration of her supporters but urged them to consider the broader picture. “Governance is not just about quick wins,” she said. “It’s about sustainable development, and that’s what I’m focused on delivering.”
The tension between the expectations of the electorate and the reality of political office is not unique to Kingibe. Across Nigeria, female politicians often face disproportionate scrutiny and higher expectations, even as they navigate systemic challenges in governance. Kingibe’s experience reflects a broader struggle for women in leadership positions who are expected to perform flawlessly despite significant institutional and societal barriers.
As Kingibe continues her term, the dialogue between her and the women who supported her remains critical. “I hear the concerns of these women,” she said. “But I ask for patience. I am working for you, and the results will come.”
