Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says the territory is firmly secured for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, as political stakeholders in the nation’s capital join forces.
Mr Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Wednesday, while interacting with political stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.
The interaction session brought together party leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, and youths in AMAC.
Describing the event as one of his happiest days, Mr Wike said that the barrier of partisan rivalry has been shattered for the collective interest and development of the capital city.
Mr Wike, who serves as the Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in FCT and Rivers, noted that past administrations neglected the structural integration of the FCT.
He, however, said that under President Tinubu’s bold and courageous leadership, the territory has witnessed unprecedented transformation.
Highlighting key achievements of the current administration, the minister pointed out monumental infrastructural strides, including the Apo-Karshi Road, stalled for 16 years.
Mr Wike also lauded the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the elevation of career civil servants to permanent secretaries and heads of service, alongside the creation of the pioneer women and youth secretariats to directly address the concerns of women and youths.
Addressing the economic realities of the country, Wike defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a “necessary, long-overdue pill” that previous leaders lacked the political will to swallow.
“Every president said it was a scam, but nobody had the courage to say it would go. That is the pain we will endure till we get it right,” he said.
He noted that the increased statutory allocations currently flowing to sub-nationals have liberated governors from the era of heavy commercial bank borrowing, enabling visible, rapid infrastructural development at the grassroots.
Dismissing opposition figures who engage in perpetual electoral cycles, Wike urged voters, especially the youth, to reject hollow alternatives and stick with proven leadership.
“The comprehensive campaign council will be inaugurated next week. Be rest assured that all logistical backing required for a landslide victory has been fully secured.
“On election day, come out with your PVCs, cast your votes, and ensure total victory for Tinubu and our progressive candidates,” he said.
The cross-party dialogue highlighted a historic shift toward inter-party cooperation, as rival political leaders publicly buried their grudges and pledged unified support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In his remarks, APC Chairman in FCT, Mr Ishaku Yamawo, praised Wike for transforming both the physical landscape and the political climate of the nation’s capital.
“Before now, when elections were approaching, some of us didn’t talk to our own brothers because they were in the other party.
“Today, we are sitting under the same roof for APC and PDP because somebody has changed the narrative of politics. A political party is not a barrier to partnering with your brother for victory and progress,” he said.
Yamawo commended Tinubu for addressing long-standing grievances of FCT indigenes.
He lauded the President for appointing a native son to a ministerial position and integrating indigenous communities like Gishiri and Guzape through infrastructure, road development, and monetary compensation.
