Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure strong support from the nation’s capital in the 2027 presidential election, following a growing alliance among political stakeholders in Abuja.
Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with political leaders and stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
The meeting brought together party officials, traditional rulers, women’s groups and youth representatives, who discussed development in the FCT and pledged to work together ahead of the next general election.
Describing the gathering as one of his happiest moments, Wike said political differences should not stand in the way of collective progress and the development of the territory.
The minister, who coordinates the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the FCT and Rivers State, credited Tinubu’s administration with accelerating infrastructure development and addressing years of neglect in the capital.
He cited the Apo-Karshi Road project, which he said had remained stalled for 16 years, as one of the major projects receiving attention under the current administration.
Wike also highlighted the appointment of career civil servants as permanent secretaries and heads of service, as well as the establishment of dedicated secretariats for women and youths to address their concerns.
Defending the removal of the fuel subsidy, he described the decision as a difficult but necessary reform that previous administrations had been unwilling to implement.
He added that increased statutory allocations to state and local governments had reduced their dependence on commercial bank loans and created more opportunities for infrastructure development.
Wike urged residents, particularly young people, to support Tinubu and other APC candidates in 2027. He announced that the comprehensive campaign council would be inaugurated the following week and assured supporters that the necessary logistical arrangements were being made.
The FCT APC Chairman, Ishaku Yamawo, commended Wike for improving infrastructure and encouraging cooperation across party lines. He said political differences had previously strained relationships among family members and communities but noted that the situation was changing.
Yamawo also praised Tinubu for appointing an indigene of the FCT as a minister and supporting infrastructure projects in indigenous communities, including Gishiri and Guzape.
Similarly, the FCT PDP Chairman, Mohammed Dogara, said political hostility between the two parties was giving way to cooperation. He expressed support for Tinubu’s development agenda and said the PDP structure in the territory would mobilise at the grassroots ahead of the election.
The District Head of Jikoyi, Nicodemus Machi, described Wike’s appointment as a positive development for the FCT, praising his efforts to address security concerns and revive abandoned road projects. He also welcomed improvements in the recognition and elevation of traditional institutions.
Speaking for the youths, Musa Jezhi, Chairman of the FCT Gbagyi Youth Forum, AMAC chapter, said youth associations across the council’s wards were prepared to mobilise support for Tinubu.
Former FCT APC Women Leader, Hilmary Aipoh, also praised Wike for establishing the Women Affairs Secretariat and improving rural roads used by farmers. She urged the minister to give women a stronger role in the campaign structure, describing AMAC’s 1,400 polling units as crucial to the party’s electoral prospects.
