The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged stakeholders in the territory to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, alongside other political candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition Movement.
Wike made the appeal during an interactive stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he called for unity across political parties to sustain development and improve governance in the FCT.
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He commended the chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for working with the FCT Administration despite their political differences, describing their cooperation as essential to the development of the territory.
The Minister also urged residents to support former Kwali Area Council Chairman and APC House of Representatives candidate for Abuja South, Danladi Chiya, as well as former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda.
He criticised the performance of some elected representatives, urging voters to choose leaders who are accessible and understand the challenges facing their communities.
On infrastructure, Wike assured residents that work would soon resume on the abandoned Kwaita-Yebu road following the cancellation of the contract awarded to a contractor who lacked the capacity to complete the project.
He also promised to intervene in the construction of Ebbo Bridge, which links Abaji and Kuje Area Councils.
Addressing concerns about local government representation, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the low remuneration of FCT councillors and promised to take steps to address the issue.
He further called for increased women’s participation in governance, noting that only two of the 62 councillors across the FCT are women.
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Wike also announced a proposed N10 million incentive for councillors who successfully deliver their respective wards for the Rainbow Coalition’s mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
On the political representation of the FCT, the Minister described the territory’s allocation of one Senate seat and three House of Representatives seats as unfair, considering its growing population.
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu would address the imbalance, just as he had broken what he described as a 15-year gap in the FCT’s representation at the Federal Executive Council.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Nuhu Daniel Kwali, commended the Minister for infrastructure development and political inclusion, particularly the appointment of the council’s first female vice-chairperson.
He assured Wike of the people’s support for President Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
The Etsu of Kwali, Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, also praised the Minister for infrastructural development, youth empowerment and the elevation of traditional rulers in the FCT.
He assured the Minister that the traditional institution and residents of Kwali would support President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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The APC and PDP chairmen in the FCT, Tanko Yamawo and Mohammed Dogara, respectively, also commended Wike for promoting political cooperation in the territory.
The meeting was attended by councillors, women groups, youth representatives, traditional rulers and other political stakeholders.