The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, lauded President Bola Tinubu as the driving force behind the peaceful conduct and outcome of the FCT Area Council elections held on Saturday.

In a statement by his spokesman, Lere Olayinka, Mr Wike in a special broadcast said the peaceful character of the election proved the commitment of FCT residents to good governance and democracy.

Commending the residents’ conduct, the minister stated that the election exposed the hypocrisy of politicians who feigned friendliness only to gain street credibility and win votes.

Mr Wike said, “The residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government.

“The election is a reflection of the President’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people of the FCT.

“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance. I thank the residents for believing in the renewed and credible democratic process being championed by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister also commended the candidates who partook in the election, noting that their participation, though divided between the minority and the majority, was noticeable.

“To all the candidates who participated in the election, I commend your belief in our democracy. Your participation is a proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when it is the majority that will always have its way,” Mr Wike said.

He offered congratulations to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described respectively as “the ruling party and the real opposition party,” for their victories.

“Most especially, I congratulate the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for their victories. This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party,” the minister said. 

“Also, the election has further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaign just to deceive Nigerians. Yesterday, the residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government,” he added.

The minister also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for effectively managing the electoral process.

He urged the winners of the election to show humility, dedication and commitment to serving the people and ensuring social development.