FCT MINISTER RALLIES SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION IN 2027

…CALLS FOR EXPERIENCED REPRESENTATION FOR THE FCT IN THE N’ASSEMBLY

…AS TRADITIONAL RULERS CONFER HIM WITH THE TITLE “HASKEN ABUJA”

By: Rabi Musa Umar and Wisdom Acka

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has called on the residents and indigenous communities of the FCT to reciprocate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s infrastructure drive by ensuring a landslide victory for the President in the 2027 general elections.

The Minister made this appeal on Thursday, April 30, 2026 during an appreciation visit by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly to him at the FCDA conference hall, Abuja.

Highlighting the commitment of President Tinubu to the FCT, the Minister noted that despite the President receiving less than six percent of the votes from the FCT in the 2023 general elections, the administration has remained unbiased, extending massive infrastructure to every satellite town and area council.

He said it was a strong indication that the territory stands to benefit even more from the APC-led government if re-elected in 2027.

“You made a mistake in 2023, you didn’t give Mr. President up to six percent. Now, see what he has done for your people. He still remembers that you are Nigerians. This is the capital and whether you have voted for him or not, he must do something. You can imagine what will now happen when you come out to back the President. More things will come to you”, the Minister said.

While emphasizing that the development of the FCT requires a strong voice in the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, Barr. Wike urged the stakeholders to avoid the mistakes of 2023 by electing representatives with experience and ranking.

He noted that the FCT has a capable son in the former Senator representing the territory, Senator Philip Aduda, whose extensive experience and capacity are vital for providing credible representation at the National Assembly and pledged his full support for the Senator’s bid to return to the Red Chamber in 2027.  

He said, “The Senate is not an all-comers game; experience and ranking matter. You made a mistake last time by electing someone you cannot see, a Senator who cannot go to traditional rulers or indigenous communities to ask about their needs. If I have a Senator I can relate with, it makes my job as Minister easier. Aduda was a Minority Leader; when he talks, his colleagues listen… And when you reciprocate with an experienced man like Phillip Tanimu Aduda, you will see what will happen in the FCT”.

The Minister also cautioned emerging political leaders against premature ambition, specifically advising Area Council Chairmen currently eyeing the Senate to prioritize their existing responsibilities. He argued that the complexities of the National Assembly require experience gained over a decade of legislative service.

Responding to requests from the stakeholders for the provision of tractors for agricultural activities, the Minister directed the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture to ensure that each Chiefdom is provided with a tractor to bolster food security. He also urged the traditional rulers to submit names for the appointment of third-class chiefs to fill existing vacancies.

Bar. Wike who also addressed the recent teachers’ strike, issued a stern warning to the Area Council Chairmen to take responsibility for education within their domains. He described the recurring teachers strike as unacceptable and maintained that as elected officials, the Chairmen have a fundamental duty to provide solutions to various challenges.

“Our children cannot be sitting at home. Council Chairmen were elected to solve problems, not to cry about them. There is no excuse whatsoever because education is the first priority for any nation. Without education, insecurity will only get worse”, the Minister warned.

Speaking earlier, the President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr. Aliyu Daniel Kwali, thanked the Minister for his commitment to justice, equity and fairness in the FCT and for promoting the welfare of the indigenous people.

He specifically lauded the Minister for increasing compensation rates for indigenous land by 100 percent, his promise to grant Certificates of Occupancy for indigenous lands amongst others.

“We have never had it so good,” Dr. Kwali stated, and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During the event, the Ona of Abaji, HRH Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, on behalf of the FCT Council of Chiefs, conferred the chieftaincy title of “Hasken Abuja” (The Light of Abuja) upon the Minister, in recognition of his visionary leadership and rapid development of the FCT, while thanking President Tinubu for his foresight in appointment Barr Wike as FCT Minister and the unprecedented infrastructural development in the FCT, especially the satellite towns.