Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu's supporters, urging them to move beyond mere endorsements and demonstrate their commitment through votes at the grassroots level in the 2027 election. Speaking at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja, Wike emphasized that every stakeholder must take responsibility for delivering their polling units, wards, local governments, and states. He stressed that no one should claim credit for an electoral victory without contributing to it.
The gathering, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous communities, youth groups, and other residents, endorsed Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. Don Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency, and former Bwari Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency. Wike charged the stakeholders to ensure that their support translates into votes during the election, saying, "Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state."
Wike urged FCT residents not to repeat the mistakes of the 2023 general election, saying the 2027 poll offered an opportunity to correct past political decisions. He emphasized that stakeholders should not claim victory if they fail to contribute to it, saying, "If you lose your polling unit, don’t say you won, because you never contributed to the victory." The minister threw his weight behind Aduda's senatorial ambition, describing him as a son, father, and friend of the people who understood the political and developmental aspirations of FCT residents.
Wike questioned the performance of the incumbent senator, asking whether she had demonstrated sufficient interest in the welfare of her constituents or maintained meaningful engagement with them. He queried, "Today, can you say in all honesty, the person representing you in the Senate, does she care about you? Has she called you for a meeting any day? Can she move any bill for the betterment of the FCT?" The stakeholders have resolved to support Aduda as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.
The minister attributed the endorsement of Tinubu to the President's interventions in infrastructure development and reforms in the FCT, particularly the upgrading of traditional institutions. According to him, successive administrations failed to upgrade the territory's traditional institutions for 27 years until Tinubu approved the exercise. He further disclosed that the President had approved the provision of Sports Utility Vehicles for traditional rulers, which would be presented on December 4.
Wike emphasized the importance of leadership, saying, "Leadership is key. We must have a leader who is courageous, who will stand firm and make decisions for the betterment of the FCT." He expressed confidence that Tinubu's leadership would continue to bring development and progress to the territory. The FCT minister's remarks were well-received by the stakeholders, who expressed their commitment to working towards a successful 2027 election.
The event marked a significant show of support for Tinubu and the FCT National Assembly candidates, with stakeholders pledging to work together to ensure a successful election. Wike's address served as a call to action for the supporters, urging them to take an active role in the electoral process. The 2027 election presents an opportunity for FCT residents to make informed decisions about their leaders and the future of the territory.
Key points
- Wike urges Tinubu's supporters to translate endorsements into votes at the grassroots level.
- The minister attributes the endorsement of Tinubu to his interventions in infrastructure development and reforms in the FCT.
- Wike throws his weight behind Aduda's senatorial ambition, describing him as a son, father, and friend of the people.
