Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the territory is firmly secured for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, as political stakeholders in the nation’s capital join forces.

Mr Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Wednesday, while interacting with political stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

The interacting session brought together party leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, and youths in AMAC.

Describing the event as one of his happiest days, Mr Wike said that the barrier of partisan rivalry has been shattered for the collective interest and development of the capital city.

Mr Wike, who serves as the Coordinator of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in FCT and Rivers State, noted that past administrations neglected the structural integration of the FCT.

He, however, said that under Mr Tinubu’s bold and courageous leadership, the territory had witnessed unprecedented transformation.

Highlighting key achievements of the current administration, the minister pointed out monumental infrastructural strides, including the Apo-Karshi Road, stalled for 16 years.

Mr Wike also lauded the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the elevation of career civil servants to permanent secretaries and heads of service, alongside the creation of the pioneer women and youth secretariats to directly address the concerns of women and youths.

Addressing the economic realities of the country, Mr Wike defended the removal of the fuel subsidy, describing it as a “necessary, long-overdue pill” that previous leaders lacked the political will to swallow.

“Every president said it was a scam, but nobody had the courage to say it would go. That is the pain we will endure till we get it right,” he said.

He noted that the increased statutory allocations currently flowing to sub-nationals had liberated governors from the era of heavy commercial bank borrowing, enabling visible, rapid infrastructural development at the grassroots.

Dismissing opposition figures who engage in perpetual electoral cycles, Mr Wike urged voters, especially the youth, to reject hollow alternatives and stick with proven leadership.

“The comprehensive campaign council will be inaugurated next week. Be assured that all logistical backing required for a landslide victory has been fully secured.

“On election day, come out with your PVCs, cast your votes, and ensure total victory for Tinubu and our progressive candidates,” he said.

The cross-party dialogue highlighted a historic shift toward inter-party cooperation, as rival political leaders publicly buried their grudges and pledged unified support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In his remarks, the APC Chairman in FCT, Ishaku Yamawo, praised Mr Wike for transforming both the physical landscape and the political climate of the nation’s capital.

“Before now, when elections were approaching, some of us didn’t talk to our own brothers because they were in the other party.

“Today, we are sitting under the same roof for APC and PDP because somebody has changed the narrative of politics. A political party is not a barrier to partnering with your brother for victory and progress,” he said.

Mr Yamawo commended Mr Tinubu for addressing long-standing grievances of FCT indigenes.

He lauded the president for appointing a native son to a ministerial position and integrating indigenous communities such as Gishiri and Guzape through infrastructure, road development, and monetary compensation.

Aligning with the APC’s stance, FCT PDP Chairman, Mohammed Dogara, declared that political hostility in the capital was now a thing of the past.

“It used to be cats and rats, not seeing themselves in the day or night. But today, cats and rats can eat on the same plate.

“When Wike came to the FCT, he saw that development is key. What reason do we have as FCT indigenes and non-indigenes to say we are not going to support Mr President? No reason,” he said.

Mr Dogara added that by January 16, 2027, the party structure down to the grassroots level would mobilise behind Mr Tinubu, urging traditional rulers and community chiefs to lead their people toward the path of development.

Also speaking, the District Head of Jikoyi, Nicodemus Machi, described Mr Wike’s arrival as FCT minister as “a cool breeze” that restored stability and progress across the territory.

Mr Machi praised Mr Wike for resolving security challenges and reviving long-abandoned road projects, including upgrading of local chiefs—transitioning second-class thrones to first-class, after 29 years of neglect.

Chairman, FCT Gbagyi Youth Forum, AMAC chapter, Musa Jezhi, who spoke on behalf of the youths, declared the youth’s readiness to deliver the territory for Mr Tinubu, stressing that organised youth associations across all council wards were fully aligned for victory.

On her part, former APC Women Leader in FCT, Hilmary Aipoh, commended Mr Wike for empowering women by establishing the Women Affairs Secretariat and opening up rural access roads for farmers.

Describing AMAC’s 4,400 polling units as the primary political battlefield of the FCT, she called on the minister to integrate women directly into the campaign structure. 

(NAN)