The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the People’s Democratic Party, saying the opposition party has failed to learn from past political setbacks, while reaffirming his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike said his decision to back Tinubu and candidates aligned with the President was consistent with the position he publicly declared ahead of the 2023 general elections.
According to him, despite being a member of the PDP, he chose to support Tinubu because he believed other political parties failed to present credible alternatives at the time.
The minister maintained that his political stance has not changed, stressing that developments within the PDP show the party has yet to reflect on its previous mistakes.
He also accused the party leadership of sidelining him during the selection of candidates, noting that he was not consulted despite serving as a minister under the current administration.
Wike stated that his political support would continue to cut across party lines, adding that he would align himself with candidates from any political platform who support Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Commenting on the February 21, 2025 Federal Capital Territory area council elections, the minister described elections as a process that extends beyond voting day, encompassing candidate nomination and campaign activities.
He defended the movement restrictions imposed before the polls, explaining that the directive was approved by the President and introduced strictly for security purposes to prevent potential unrest.
Rejecting claims that the restrictions disenfranchised voters, Wike insisted that residents were able to participate fully in the elections, which held between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Addressing criticism over his presence at polling areas, the FCT minister said he acted within powers delegated to him by the President and denied influencing the outcome of the elections.
He emphasised that he was not a contestant in the polls and never directed voters against any candidate, maintaining that his role was limited to political support for individuals backing the President.
Wike further dismissed allegations of political interference, stating that politics naturally involves strategic efforts aimed at winning elections.
He advised aggrieved parties dissatisfied with the election results to seek redress at the election tribunal, expressing confidence that any rerun would produce similar outcomes.
The ruling All Progressives Congress secured five of the six chairmanship seats contested across the FCT area councils, while the People’s Democratic Party won the chairmanship position in Gwagwalada Area Council.
