Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that he will personally lead the campaign for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the FCT and Rivers State. This announcement was made during an inspection of the ongoing Phase II dualisation of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road in Chikuku, Abuja. Wike stated that he will soon inaugurate campaign teams in both the FCT and Rivers State to mobilize support for Tinubu.
According to Wike, various political groups backing President Tinubu are putting their structures in place, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is also preparing for an aggressive campaign. He expressed enthusiasm and confidence in the party's readiness, stating that all elements of the APC are prepared and that the president is ready for the election.
Wike linked the administration's infrastructure projects in the FCT to the 2027 elections, arguing that the impact of these projects will generate support for Tinubu at the polls. He dismissed suggestions that electoral malpractice would account for the president's performance in the territory, saying residents would reward visible development with their votes.
The minister expressed confidence that the administration's infrastructure record would strengthen support for Tinubu and candidates aligned with his political camp. These include former FCT senator Philip Aduda and candidates for the two House of Representatives seats in the territory. Wike emphasized that it would be obvious that nobody could claim rigging in the FCT due to the visible projects being delivered.
Wike also commended the contractor and engineers for the progress recorded on the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road project and pledged that funding would be provided to ensure completion by December. He noted that infrastructure delivery remained central to effective governance, citing the response of residents to government projects as a testament to the importance of providing functional public infrastructure.
During the inspection, Wike observed the high population in the area and expressed satisfaction with the project's progress. He emphasized that the essence of governance is to make people happy, and when the people are happy, those in authority are also happy. The minister's comments reflect the government's focus on infrastructure development and its potential impact on future elections.
The announcement of Wike's leadership of Tinubu's re-election campaign in the FCT and Rivers State highlights the importance of these regions in the upcoming 2027 general elections. With the APC and other political groups preparing for an aggressive campaign, the stage is set for a competitive election. The success of the administration's infrastructure projects may play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
Key points
- Wike to lead Tinubu's re-election campaign in FCT and Rivers State.
- The administration's infrastructure projects in the FCT are linked to the 2027 elections.
- Wike expresses confidence in the APC's readiness for an aggressive campaign.
