2027: We won’t repeat 2023 mistake in FCT, Wike declares

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the territory to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, warning against a repeat of what he described as political mistakes made during the 2023 general elections.

Wike made the call on Thursday at an interactive session organised by the Rainbow Coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

He said the coalition was established to unite politicians across party lines and promote the interests of FCT residents, adding that party affiliation should not take precedence over development.

“It doesn’t matter the party. After all, party is a vehicle that conveys you to where you are going. When you get there, you come down and work for the interest of the people,” he said.

The minister cautioned residents against politicians he described as “political gamblers”, insisting that ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT justified support for the Tinubu administration.

“The mistake we made in 2023, would we make that mistake again? If it was an error, would we make that error again?” Wike asked.

He also endorsed former FCT senator Philip Aduda for a return to the Senate, describing him as a politician who understood the concerns of residents.

“So, I am here today to present to you your own son. The man who understands when you are sleeping. The man who knows when you are crying,” he said.

Wike attributed the progress recorded in the FCT to President Tinubu’s support, adding that the administration would continue to address infrastructure deficits. He announced that the Gombe-Kubwa Road project would be ready by December.

“Let me authoritatively tell you today, by the grace of God, this December, you will do Christmas on this road, Gombe to Kubwa,” he said.

The minister disclosed that political negotiations had led to Julius Adamu, the PDP chairmanship candidate in the last Area Council elections, stepping down in favour of the incumbent Bwari chairman, Joshua Ishaku, to strengthen unity ahead of 2027.

Earlier, a women’s leader from Bwari, Deborah Ayorinde, commended Wike for his intervention but appealed for sustained support, describing Bwari as the most neglected of the six area councils.

The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, and the PDP Chairman, Ismaila Dogara, also commended Wike for fostering cooperation among rival parties under the Rainbow Coalition, pledging to work together to secure victory for Tinubu in 2027.

Traditional rulers, including the Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro II, and the Esu of Bwari, Dr Ibrahim Yaro, praised the administration’s infrastructure projects but appealed for the rehabilitation of key roads within the council.

The meeting formed part of the Rainbow Coalition’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.