Don’t repeat 2023 mistake, Wike urges FCT voters as he backs Tinubu, Aduda, others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, warning that they would not repeat what he described as their political mistake in the 2023 elections.

Wike made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting of the FCT Rainbow Coalition in Bwari Area Council, where he criticised the territory’s current Senate representation and rallied support for Tinubu and candidates aligned with the coalition.

He argued that voters should assess political leaders based on their commitment to public welfare and their involvement in addressing the needs of local communities.

“The mistake we made in 2023, we will not make that mistake again,” Wike declared.

He urged residents to reject politicians he described as political gamblers and support Tinubu, claiming that the President’s administration had demonstrated commitment to the development of the FCT.

“Today, the people of FCT—from AMAC, down to Bwari, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, and Gwagwalada—can now compare and know who really loves you, who identifies with you when you have problems, and who comes to ask how you are faring,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Rainbow Coalition seeking to mobilise support across party lines for Tinubu and selected candidates.

Wike Criticises FCT Senate Representation

Wike questioned the impact of the incumbent senator representing the FCT, alleging that the lawmaker had failed to maintain meaningful relationships with communities, traditional rulers, women and youth groups, particularly during difficult times.

He did not name the senator in the statement but challenged residents to consider which political leaders had been accessible and responsive to their needs.

The minister also linked ongoing infrastructure projects and administrative changes in the FCT to Tinubu’s support, insisting that the President’s backing had enabled his administration to deliver on its commitments.

“Look at the roads; let me authoritatively tell you today, by the grace of God, you will celebrate Christmas on this Bwari to Kubwa road,” Wike said, expressing confidence that the road project would be completed in time for the festive season.

He also cited the elevation of traditional rulers to first- and second-class status, describing the decision as a long-awaited development that demonstrated the President’s commitment to the territory.

“I align myself with anybody I know that is committed to the development of this country, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown fully that he is committed to development through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Wike added that the projects being executed in the FCT were possible because of the President’s support and approval.

“All these things you are saying the FCT Minister is doing, the President is the one giving me support and approval. That’s why everything is working out well,” he said.

At the meeting, Wike presented former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, as the coalition’s candidate for the FCT Senate seat and John Gabaya as its candidate for the House of Representatives seat covering the AMAC and Bwari federal constituency. Both were presented under the All Progressives Congress.

He urged coalition members to mobilise voters for Tinubu and the candidates, arguing that electing leaders who could work closely with the Presidency would improve coordination and governance.

“Go back home, put more effort to make sure that Mr President and our dear brothers win this election very well,” he told the stakeholders.

Wike also disclosed that Julius Adamu, a Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship aspirant in Bwari, had stepped down in support of the incumbent area council chairman, Joshua Ishaku Musa.

The minister said he planned to forward Adamu’s nomination to Tinubu for appointment as head of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board.

The announcement was presented as part of efforts to consolidate the coalition’s cross-party alliance.

Musa thanked Wike for what he described as the administration’s development projects in Bwari, including road construction and water supply interventions.

“Even the blind knows that there is a working government in the Federal Capital because the President has brought you to fulfil this Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

The FCT APC chairman, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, also commended the minister’s work, while representatives of women and youth groups expressed support for Tinubu and the coalition’s candidates.

However, the statement issued by the FCT Administration did not include responses from the incumbent FCT senator to Wike’s criticism or provide independent assessments of the projects cited by the minister.

The meeting underscores Wike’s efforts to rally political support for Tinubu ahead of 2027, with the minister using ongoing infrastructure projects and cross-party alliances to make the case for the President’s re-election.