…Minister backs Tinubu, challenges FCT leaders to deliver polling units
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alleging that he would run to Cameroon rather than confront Nigeria’s challenges if elected president.
Wike said Obi lacked the capacity to tackle the country’s problems, contrasting him with President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a leader willing to confront difficult national issues headlong.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where he urged FCT residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Taking a swipe at Obi’s leadership credentials, Wike insisted that Nigeria needed a president with courage, experience and the capacity to deal with difficult situations rather than someone interested in political theatrics.
He also challenged political leaders in Abaji to prove their commitment to Tinubu through electoral results, warning that he would assess their performance based on the votes secured in their respective polling units and wards.
“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.
The minister declared that the FCT must surpass Rivers State in delivering votes for Tinubu, promising to replicate his political mobilisation strategy in Abuja.
“Nobody is competing with Rivers. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” he challenged.
Wike urged traditional rulers, women, youths and political stakeholders to mobilise voters across the six area councils to ensure Tinubu wins in every polling unit and ward.
He also cautioned residents against repeating what he described as the mistake of the 2023 elections, when they allegedly voted for candidates who abandoned them after winning elections.
“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of FCT?” he queried.
Wike urged the people to support leaders who understand their challenges and have demonstrated commitment to addressing them.
He further disclosed that he would meet with FCT youths on Wednesday to discuss political mobilisation and their participation in the 2027 elections.
The minister assured stakeholders that the necessary resources and arrangements for the campaign were ready, expressing confidence that the Rainbow Coalition would deliver the FCT for Tinubu.
He also reiterated his commitment to resolving Abaji’s electricity crisis, urging the area council chairman to ensure that efforts towards restoring power were intensified before the 2027 elections.
Wike described the Abaji meeting as the final engagement in his tour of the six FCT area councils ahead of the elections, promising to return to assess the level of satisfaction among residents.
He expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election, urging FCT residents to remain united and mobilise support for the President.
