Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he will ensure that candidates not endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s reelection do not win in the FCT area councils’ election scheduled for February 21.

Mr Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday night, during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday.

The minister, who said he owed no one an apology for endorsing Mr Tinubu, promised to support any candidate who supports the president at all costs, regardless of their political party. 

“We have the FCT area council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate who supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stand,” Mr Wike said.

About 1.68 million registered voters have been cleared to participate in the elections, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Voters are expected to choose chairpersons and vice-chairpersons across the six area councils, as well as 62 councillors covering 68 constituencies.

While the ruling All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress had fielded candidates for the poll, Labour Party was barred from fielding candidate in the process over nomination irregularities.

Meanwhile, Mr Wike described the celebrant as a “credible ally, a trustworthy friend and good brother.”

According to him, Mr Onor is not just a friendly but a reliable friend, even in times of trouble, “when you know who is a friend.

“I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Mr Wike said.

(NAN)