2027: Wike asks PDP members in FCT to back Tinubu, APC candidates
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA — Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the FCT to support President Bola Tinubu and candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Wike, who serves as the coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the FCT, made his remarks at a political stakeholders forum in Abuja on Wednesday.
“I am confident that all PDP members in the FCT will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, and Dr. John Gabaya,” he stated.
He cited an area council chairman as an example of this political shift, referring to the chairman’s active mobilization for Tinubu and Aduda despite being affiliated with the PDP. “He is of PDP, is it not correct? But you see, he has come out mobilizing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, mobilizing for Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda,” Wike explained.
Wike assured attendees that campaign logistics would be fully provided. “All the logistics for our campaign, you will have it. Everything will be taken care of,” he said.
He also outlined his responsibilities, revealing that he was tasked with coordinating efforts for both Rivers State and the FCT to ensure their support for Tinubu. “With the grace of God, FCT is for Tinubu, Rivers is for Tinubu. We must take this election very seriously,” Wike emphasized, encouraging voters to register their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support Tinubu.
In his remarks, Wike criticized supporters of Peter Obi, suggesting they are overly focused on social media rather than practical politics. “You can vote for Peter Obi as president of social media,” he stated.
He questioned the youth’s attraction to what he termed insincerity in political figures, urging them to seek genuine leadership. “Why do you like people who are fake? People who are not real?” he asked, adding, “We prefer a president that will tell us this is white and it is white.”
Defending the recent removal of the fuel subsidy, Wike noted that previous administrations had acknowledged its flaws but failed to act. “Every president said it was a scam. But nobody had that courage to say it will go,” he remarked. He acknowledged the short-term challenges posed by the removal but expressed confidence that living costs would eventually stabilize as reforms take effect.
Wike also highlighted achievements under the current administration, mentioning improved financial conditions for governors and the lack of recent university strikes. “Has there been any strike? Let us just say the truth. There has been no strike,” he noted. While recognizing that challenges remain, he asserted that significant progress has been made.
Addressing FCT residents, Wike assured them of their inclusion in future appointments, emphasizing the need for representation. “You represent a good chunk of Nigerians, and so there should be inclusivity as far as FCT is concerned,” he stated.
He mentioned that President Tinubu has addressed concerns of career civil servants, leading to the establishment of a head of service and a civil service commission responsible for hiring local residents. Wike also announced the formation of a women’s secretariat and a newly appointed youth secretary, furthering his commitment to inclusivity.
Wike outlined infrastructural improvements, noting the construction of twelve new police stations and enhanced security measures. He stated that several area councils now have better road access, addressing past shortcomings.
He confirmed that the Apo-Karshi Road, which was awarded in 2010, is set to be commissioned in November, along with the inauguration of additional projects. “Our campaign is our project. Our campaign is to tell you what we have done,” he said, encouraging support for future initiatives.
