Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on supporters of President Bola Tinubu to work towards his re-election in the January 16, 2027 election. Wike made the call at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting and unveiling of the FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of delivering their polling units, wards, local government areas, and states to ensure Tinubu's re-election.
Wike warned political stakeholders against taking credit for electoral victories without making meaningful contributions at the grassroots level. He insisted that genuine political support must be demonstrated through votes at the polling units. Wike's statement was a clear message to Tinubu's supporters to work hard and ensure the President's re-election. The gathering, which attracted traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents, endorsed Tinubu for a second tenure.
The endorsement was attributed to Tinubu's interventions in infrastructure development and institutional reforms in the FCT. Wike disclosed that the President had approved the provision of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers, which would be presented on December 4. This move was seen as a way to upgrade traditional institutions in the FCT, which had been neglected for 27 years.
Wike emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace, promoting community development, and preserving cultural heritage. He called for greater attention and empowerment for traditional rulers. The minister also announced a meeting with youths from the six area councils on November 10 and disclosed that he had secured Tinubu's approval for the provision of four buses to support youth mobilisation across the territory.
Wike also promised a separate meeting with persons with disabilities, encouraging them to exercise their civic rights and participate actively in the electoral process. The FCT APC Chairman, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, praised Wike for fostering political cooperation across party lines, describing the Rainbow Coalition as a new approach to politics without bitterness.
The initiative was supported by various stakeholders, including the President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr Aliyu Daniel Kwali, and Ambassador Abdullahi Adamu Candido. They described the endorsement as a historic initiative that brought together indigenous communities and residents across political and religious divides. The AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, also endorsed Tinubu's second-term bid on behalf of the six area council chairmen.
FCT youth groups and traditional rulers, including the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, pledged their support for Wike and the Tinubu administration. The stakeholders appealed to the FCT Administration to expedite payment of outstanding compensation to indigenous people whose lands had been acquired for development and ensure their inclusion in future land allocations.
Key points
- Wike urges Tinubu's supporters to deliver polling units for re-election
- Tinubu's interventions in infrastructure development and institutional reforms in the FCT earned him an endorsement for a second tenure
- Wike emphasizes the importance of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and promoting community development
