The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, “appeared not to have learnt,” as he defended his continued support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates aligned with the President.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike reiterated that his decision to back Tinubu was not new and had been publicly declared in 2023.
“I told you in 2023 that even as a PDP man, I was going to work for the President. That is what I did because I believe, and rightly so, that the other parties did not present serious candidates,” he said.
The minister maintained that his political stance remains unchanged, stressing that his party had failed to learn from past experiences.
“I have said several times that, as far as I am concerned, my party appears not to have learnt. That is why I said I was going to support Mr. President for a second term,” he said.
Wike also faulted the PDP for failing to consult him on its choice of candidates.
“As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” he added.
He emphasised that his support cuts across party lines, provided candidates are aligned with the President’s re-election bid.
“I said I would support candidates who support Mr. President for his re-election. It does not matter which party they belong to. If they support Mr. President, then of course I will pitch my tent with them,” he said.
On the conduct of the February 21, 2025, FCT Area Council elections, Wike said elections are a process that extends beyond voting day.
“Election is a process. It begins with the nomination of candidates, proceeds through campaigns, and then culminates in voting. It is not just about a particular day,” he stated.
Addressing controversy over movement restrictions announced ahead of the polls, Wike insisted the directive was issued with presidential approval for security reasons.
“By the approval of the President, movement was restricted from 8 p.m. for security reasons. It was to ensure that people did not import troublemakers into the city to cause a crisis,” he said.
He rejected claims that the restriction disenfranchised voters, noting that voting took place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day.
“You cannot say people were not allowed to vote. That is not correct,” he said.
Responding to criticism over his presence at polling units, Wike said he acted within delegated authority from the President and dismissed allegations that he influenced the outcome.
“I was not on the ballot. I never told anyone not to vote for any candidate. All I said was that I would support candidates who support Mr. President,” he said.
On suggestions of political interference in the council contests, the minister underscored his identity as a politician.
“Let me make this clear: I am a politician. I chose to be a politician, and politics is about winning,” he said.
Challenging allegations of voter disenfranchisement, Wike maintained that no one was prevented from casting their ballot and urged dissatisfied parties to seek legal redress.
“If anyone is dissatisfied, they should go to the tribunal. Let the tribunal cancel the election and order a rerun if necessary. The outcome will not be different,” he said.
The All Progressives Congress secured victory in five of the six chairmanship seats across the FCT Area Councils during the February 21 polls, winning in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the PDP clinched the chairmanship position in Gwagwalada.
