2027: FCT RAINBOW COALITION FOSTERS PEACE, CROSS-PARTY COOPERATION IN KUJE

By: Wisdom Acka

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Esq. has called on state governments across Nigeria to adopt the “Rainbow Coalition” model, maintaining that the political framework has successfully fostered cross-party cooperation, peace, and political stability within the nation’s capital and Rivers State.

Speaking during an interactive stakeholders’ engagement involving political leaders, traditional rulers, women, and youth groups in Kuje Area Council on Friday 23 October, 2026, Wike argued that the initiative demonstrates how politicians from diverse political platforms can unite for developmental goals rather than allowing partisan rivalries to trigger hostility and division.

He noted that the coalition brings together members of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to pursue shared goals without conflict.

Highlighting the practical benefits of the model, the minister cited former FCT Senator Philip Aduda as an example of a leader whose political backing spans beyond party lines to include cross-party stakeholders.

Wike charged residents to prioritize accessibility, track record, and performance when electing leaders, specifically contrasting Aduda’s grassroots familiarity with the performance of the FCT’s current senatorial representation.

He warned voters against entrusting their political future to “political gamblers” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On infrastructure, Wike assured residents that the ongoing road project linking the Airport Road–Tipper Garage corridor to Gwagwalada will be completed and commissioned by December.

The Minister recalled that Kuje traditional rulers had previously highlighted the corridor as a priority, noting that while the first phase was commissioned during the administration’s third anniversary by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the remaining segment reaching Gwagwalada will be delivered before the end of the year to boost local connectivity.

Community and political leaders at the event expressed support for the administration’s developmental strides and the peaceful political environment generated by the coalition initiative.

The Hakimi Agwai of Kuje Area Council, Shuibu Pada, assured the Minister of the community’s electoral backing in appreciation of the infrastructure projects, while appealing for the extension of road networks into interior settlements, including routes connecting Rubochi and Kwali.

Similarly, Senator Jibrin Usman Wowo announced that after extensive consultations across youth, women, and elder groups, Kuje stakeholders had resolved to support the APC from top to bottom in upcoming elections.

Party leadership from both major political platforms corroborated the shift in local politics. This is as the FCT APC Chairman Tanko Yamawo praised the infrastructure projects for easing travel and noted that cross-party collaboration had significantly reduced political tension.

Concurring with his counterpart, FCT PDP Chairman Ismael Dogora emphasized that the coalition had eliminated political violence and protests in the territory, attributing the calm directly to the minister’s provision of key amenities and inclusive engagement.

Addressing gender inclusion, Kuje Women Leader Aishatu Yakubu commended the administration for recognizing women’s roles in political mobilization while advocating for increased female representation in governance and additional rural infrastructure.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Samuel Shekwolo, lauded the Minister for uniting indigenous and non-indigenous communities under one umbrella.

Shekwolo noted that Wike’s drive had altered the perception of Kuje, once viewed primarily as a prison location due to years of neglect, into a thriving development hub where ruling and opposition figures now stand together.

Urging residents to honor their political commitments, Shekwolo called on the electorate to turn out en masse at the polls on January 16, 2027, to support the administration’s candidates.