Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will only support candidates who align with President Bola Tinubu's vision in the upcoming FCT area councils election, regardless of their political party affiliation.
Speaking on Saturday night in Abuja during Senator Sandy Onor's 60th birthday celebration, the minister made his position unequivocally clear ahead of the February 21 polls. The event, which celebrated six decades of scholarship, leadership, and service, provided the platform for Wike's bold political statement.
"We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win," Wike stated.
The minister went further, outlining his intention to actively oppose candidates not aligned with the President. "It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand," he added.
Wike, who has been a prominent figure in President Tinubu's political structure since the 2023 elections, emphasized that his commitment to the President's vision remains unwavering. He stressed that his position is not subject to apology or reconsideration, signaling his determination to deploy his influence as FCT Minister to shape the outcome of the area council elections.
The minister's remarks come just days before residents of the Federal Capital Territory head to the polls to elect chairmen and councilors across the territory's six area councils. His declaration effectively frames the local government election as a referendum on support for the Tinubu administration.
Turning attention to the celebrant, Wike described Senator Sandy Onor as a "credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and good brother." He praised Onor's reliability, stating: "I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family."
The event also featured a Festschrift—a scholarly book written in honor of the celebrant—presented by Prof. Dave Imbua, Head of Department of History and International Studies at the University of Calabar. The book was unveiled by former Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on behalf of Wike and his friends, with a reported N50 million contribution.
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kalu Agabi (SAN), praised Onor as courageous and intelligent, while former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom described him as an "icon" and a "good man" prepared for leadership.
In his remarks, the 60-year-old celebrant reflected on lessons learned over six decades, noting that "it is good to be a man of excellence and character" and that "hard work always pays." Onor, however, acknowledged that "everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent in one's life."
The FCT area council election will proceed on February 21, with all eyes on how Wike's influence shapes the outcome.
#NyesomWike #FCTElection #AreaCouncil #Tinubu #APC #NigeriaPolitics #SenatorSandyOnor #FCT