Wike backs Tinubu for 2027, says PDP hasn’t learnt
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “appeared not to have learnt,” as he defended his continued support
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “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 the President 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 position remains unchanged.
Wike was critical of the internal state of his party, stating that it 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.
He further faulted the party for failing to consult him on its candidates.
READ ALSO: FCT polls: My movement on election day did not influence results – Wike
“As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” he added.
The minister stressed that his support cuts across party lines, provided candidates align 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 FCT elections held on February 21, 2025, Wike emphasised that the process goes 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 said.
Wike also addressed the controversy surrounding movement restrictions announced ahead of the FCT polls, insisting the directive was issued with presidential approval and 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 measure disenfranchised voters.
“The election was on Saturday, and voting took place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You cannot say people were not allowed to vote. That is not correct,” he stated.
Responding to criticism over his presence at polling units, Wike said he acted within delegated authority.
“The power has been delegated to me. A certain amount of authority has been given to me to act on behalf of the President,” he said.
He dismissed allegations that he influenced the election 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 council contests, Wike 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.
Addressing allegations of voter disenfranchisement, he challenged the claim.
“What is disenfranchisement? If a party says it is not prepared for an election, does that stop others from voting? Disenfranchisement means people were not allowed to vote, and that was not the case,” he said.
Wike concluded by urging aggrieved 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 (APC) secured victory in five of the six chairmanship seats across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory during the February 21 polls.
The ruling party claimed victory in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the PDP captured the chairmanship seat in Gwagwalada.
