Wike Links Support in FCT Council Poll to Backing for Tinubu
Abuja — Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that candidates who do not support President Bola Tinubu will not receive his backing in the upcoming February 21 area council elections.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Sandy Onor, a former senator who represented Cross River Central. Addressing attendees at the event, the minister emphasised that his support in the local elections would be determined by candidates’ alignment with the president rather than party affiliation.
“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.
The minister added that political party considerations would not influence his decisions, signalling a stance that prioritises loyalty to the administration over partisan lines. His comments have drawn attention within political circles, given the significance of the area council elections in Nigeria’s capital.
The FCT area council polls are expected to attract considerable interest, with political parties mobilising across the six area councils. Analysts note that the elections often serve as indicators of grassroots political strength and governance dynamics within the territory.
While reactions from opposition figures and political stakeholders continue to emerge, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent electoral process.
The elections will determine leadership across the FCT’s local councils, a tier of government responsible for community-level administration and development initiatives.
