Wike Urges FCT PDP Members to Back Tinubu, APC Candidates in 2027 Elections

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja to support President Bola Tinubu and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

Wike made the call on Wednesday while addressing a political stakeholders’ forum in Abuja. He spoke in his capacity as coordinator of the Tinubu/APC Presidential Campaign Council in the FCT, saying he expected PDP members in the territory to support the president and other candidates he named.

“I know all the PDP FCT will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will support Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, will support Dr John Gabaya,” Wike said.

He pointed to the participation of a PDP area council chairman in mobilisation activities as evidence that some party members were already working to support Tinubu’s campaign. Wike also promised campaign resources to those involved, saying logistics would be provided for their activities.

The minister said he had been assigned to coordinate campaign efforts in both Rivers State and the FCT, expressing confidence that the two areas would support Tinubu. He urged supporters to take the election seriously and turn out with their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote.

Wike also criticised supporters of Peter Obi, who has attracted backing from many young Nigerians. Referring to Obi, Wike said, “You can vote for Peter Obi as president of social media.” He questioned why young people supported politicians he described as “fake” and “not real”, while arguing that he preferred leaders who spoke plainly about policy decisions.

Defending Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy, Wike said successive administrations had described the subsidy as problematic but had not taken the same step. He acknowledged that living costs had risen, while arguing that the economic reforms could eventually reduce the pressure on households once they stabilised. He also claimed that state governors were no longer taking loans from banks and that universities had avoided strikes during the administration’s first three years. These statements reflected Wike’s assessment of the government’s record.

On FCT administration, Wike said Tinubu had taken steps to improve representation for indigenous residents, including establishing a civil service commission, appointing permanent secretaries and creating positions focused on women and youth affairs. He also cited the construction of 12 police stations with residential facilities and road projects linking the territory’s six area councils as examples of progress.

Wike said the Apo-Karshi Road, which he stated was awarded in 2010, would be commissioned in November. He also promised that at least six projects in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) would be commissioned in December. Describing the administration’s projects as its campaign message, he urged residents to support the government, promising that it would do more if given continued backing.