By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will work to ensure the defeat of any candidate in the upcoming FCT area councils election who does not support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, Mr Wike made his position clear regarding the February 21 poll. The minister, who stated he owed no one an apology for endorsing Mr Tinubu, promised to support any candidate backing the president at all costs, regardless of their political party affiliation.
“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,” Mr Wike said. “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.”
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, approximately 1.68 million registered voters have been cleared to participate in the elections. Voters will elect chairpersons and vice-chairpersons across the six area councils, as well as 62 councillors representing 68 constituencies.
While the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the African Democratic Congress have all fielded candidates for the poll, the Labour Party was barred from participating in the process due to nomination irregularities.
Turning his attention to the celebrant, Mr Wike described Senator Onor as a credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother. He emphasised that Mr Onor is not merely friendly but a reliable companion, even in difficult times. “When you know who is a friend,” the minister remarked, “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.”
