I will only support candidates backing Tinubu in FCT council polls – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will work to ensure that only candidates who support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge victorious in the February 21 area council elections.

Wike made the remark on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Sandy Onor, a former senator who represented Cross River Central.

According to the minister, political party lines would not determine his support in the council polls, stressing that his backing would go to candidates aligned with the president.

“We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stance.”

As the election approaches, several candidates have called for a free and fair contest with equal opportunities for all participants.

In January, Moses Paul, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), urged Wike to support his bid.

Paul said he shares the minister’s approach to performance-based governance, describing himself as “Mr Project”, a nickname often linked to Wike during his time as Rivers governor.

He added that he has been addressing community concerns within AMAC by assisting with the renovation of primary schools and upgrades to primary healthcare centres.

Christopher Maikalangu, the current chairman of AMAC, was elected in 2022 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Maikalangu later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in April 2025 and is now seeking re-election.

(The CABLE)