The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates aligned with the president, describing his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as having “failed to learn” from past experiences.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike emphasized that his position was consistent with his 2023 declaration.
“I told you in 2023 that even as a PDP man, I was going to work for the President. That is what I did because I believe, rightly so, that the other parties did not present serious candidates,” Wike said.
The minister criticized his party for not consulting him on candidate selections. “As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” he noted.
Wike stressed that his support is based on alignment with the President rather than party affiliation.
“I said I would support candidates who support Mr President for his re-election. It does not matter which party they belong to. If they support Mr President, then of course I will pitch my tent with them,” he explained.
On the conduct of the February 21, 2025, FCT elections, Wike described the voting process as part of a broader electoral cycle.
“Election is a process. It begins with the nomination of candidates, proceeds through campaigns, and then culminates in voting. It is not just about a particular day,” he said.
He defended movement restrictions imposed during the polls, saying the directive was approved by the President for security reasons.
“Movement was restricted from 8 p.m. to ensure that people did not import troublemakers into the city to cause a crisis,” Wike added, dismissing claims that the measure disenfranchised voters.
Responding to criticism about his presence at polling units, Wike said he acted within delegated authority.
“The power has been delegated to me. A certain amount of authority has been given to me to act on behalf of the President,” he said.
He also denied influencing election outcomes, stating, “I was not on the ballot. I never told anyone not to vote for any candidate. All I said was that I would support candidates who support Mr President.”
On accusations of political interference in council contests, Wike underscored his identity as a politician. “Let me make this clear: I am a politician. I chose to be a politician, and politics is about winning,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress won five of six Area Council chairmanship seats in the FCT elections, securing Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the PDP captured Gwagwalada.
Wike concluded by urging aggrieved parties to seek legal redress.
“If anyone is dissatisfied, they should go to the tribunal. Let the tribunal cancel the election and order a rerun if necessary. The outcome will not be different,” he said.
