The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the peaceful conduct of the FCT Area Council elections, saying the outcome has shown Nigerians “the ruling party and the real opposition party” in the country.
In a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations, Wike described the election as peaceful, free and credible, attributing its success to the leadership of President Tinubu and the commitment of FCT residents to democracy and good governance.
According to the Minister, the conduct and outcome of the polls demonstrated that Nigerians are now discerning about the country’s political landscape.
“This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party,” he said.
Wike congratulated both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on their victories in the elections, commending all candidates who participated for strengthening democratic ideals.
He also took a swipe at what he described as “emergency democrats,” accusing some politicians of engaging in token gestures such as buying corn and groundnuts from roadside traders for campaign optics in a bid to deceive voters.
“The residents of the FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government,” Wike stated.
The Minister thanked President Tinubu for what he called the development strides recorded in the FCT, noting that the election outcome reflected public confidence in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, including the amendment of the Electoral Act, had enhanced the credibility of elections in the country.
Wike further commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible election, as well as security agencies for ensuring a peaceful process.
“To the winners of the elections, you have been given a mandate to serve the people. I urge you to do so with humility, dedication and commitment to excellence,” he said.
He also praised residents of the FCT, particularly those in satellite towns, for coming out in large numbers to vote peacefully, describing their participation as a reaffirmation of trust in the democratic process.
Wike pledged that the FCT Administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, assuring residents that the territory would remain a model of development and progress under the current administration
