Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, justified his continued support for President Bola Tinubu and his allies on Monday, saying his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, “appeared not to have learned.”
Speaking at a media conference in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed that he had previously stated in 2023 that he was supporting the President.
“I told you in 2023 that I would work for the President despite being a member of the PDP. That’s what I did because I think the other parties didn’t have any credible candidates, and I’m correct,” he said.
The minister insisted that his political stance had not changed.
Wike was scathing of his party’s internal situation, claiming that it had not learned from its mistakes.
I’ve stated on multiple occasions that, in my opinion, my party doesn’t seem to have learned. That’s the reason I declared that I would back Mr. President for a second term,” he stated.
He also criticized the party for not consulting him over its nominees.
He went on, “As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present.”
The minister emphasized that, as long as candidates support the President’s reelection campaign, his support transcends political boundaries.
“I stated that I would back candidates who back Mr. President’s reelection. The party to which they belong is irrelevant. Of course, I’ll set up camp with them if they back Mr. President,” he declared.
Regarding how the February 21, 2025, FCT elections were conducted, Wike emphasized that the procedure extends beyond the day of voting.
Elections are a procedure. Candidates are nominated, campaigns are run, and voting is the last step. He stated, “It’s not just about one day.
Wike also addressed the controversy surrounding the movement restrictions that were announced prior to the FCT votes, stating that the decision was made for security reasons and with presidential consent.
“For security considerations, movement was prohibited starting at 8 p.m. with the president’s approval. He explained, “It was to make sure that people didn’t bring troublemakers into the city to generate a conflict.
He denied allegations that the proposal denied voters their right to vote.
Voting took place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, the day of the election. You can’t claim that people couldn’t vote. That’s not right,” he said.
Wike responded to criticism for his attendance at polling stations by stating that he acted in accordance with his powers.
I have been given the authority. I’ve been given some ability to act on behalf of the President,” he stated.
He denied that he had any influence over the election’s result.
“I wasn’t included in the vote. I never advised anyone not to cast their ballot for a certain candidate. “I only stated that I would back candidates who back Mr. President,” he remarked.
Wike emphasized his political identity in response to allegations of political meddling in council elections.
To be clear, I am a politician. He declared, “I decided to become a politician because politics is about winning.”
He disputed claims of voting disenfranchisement.
What is the term “disenfranchisement”? Does a party’s claim that it is unprepared for an election prevent other parties from casting ballots? People were not denied the right to vote, which is what disenfranchisement means,” he stated.
Wike urged anybody who felt wronged to pursue legal action in his closing remarks.
“Anyone should go to the tribunal if they are unhappy.” Permit the tribunal to call off the election and, if need, mandate a new one. “The result won’t change,” he stated.
During the polls on February 21, the All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairperson posts in the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Councils.
The PDP won the chairmanship in Gwagwalada, but the ruling party declared victory in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje.
