In defense of his ongoing support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates who share his views, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, claimed Monday that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, “appeared not to have learned.”
During a media briefing in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed that he had previously stated in 2023 that he was supporting the President.
“Even as a PDP man, I told you in 2023 that I was going to work for the President.” “I believe that the other parties did not present serious candidates, and I have good reason to believe that,” he stated.
The minister insisted that his stance on politics had not altered.
Wike criticized his party’s internal situation, saying it had not learned from its mistakes.
“I have stated on multiple occasions that my party doesn’t seem to have learned, in my opinion. For this reason, I declared my intention to back Mr. President for a second term,” he stated.
He also criticized the party for not consulting him about its candidates.
“My party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present as a minister,” he continued.
The minister emphasized that, as long as candidates support the President’s reelection campaign, his support transcends party boundaries.
“I declared my intention to back candidates who back Mr. President’s reelection. Whichever party they are a member of is irrelevant. He declared, “Of course, I will set up camp with them if they back Mr. President.”
Regarding the way the February 21, 2025, FCT elections were conducted, Wike emphasized that the procedure extends beyond the day of voting.
An election is a procedure. The nomination of candidates is the first step, followed by the campaigns and voting. “It’s not just about one day,” he remarked.
The controversy surrounding movement limitations that were announced prior to the FCT polls was also addressed by Wike, who insisted that the directive was issued for security reasons and with presidential consent.
With the president’s assent, movement was prohibited starting at 8 p.m. for security reasons. He stated, “It was to make sure that people didn’t bring troublemakers into the city to create a crisis.”
Claims that the bill denied voters their right to vote were denied by him.
Saturday was election day, and voting was open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. You cannot claim that they were denied the right to vote. That isn’t right,” he said.
Wike responded to criticism that he was acting within his authority when he visited polling places.
“I have been given the authority.” He stated, “I have been granted a certain amount of authority to act on behalf of the President.”
He denied that he had any influence over the outcome of the election.
“My name wasn’t on the ballot. I never advised anyone not to cast their ballot for any candidate. He said, “I only stated that I would back candidates who back Mr. President.”
In response to allegations of political meddling in council elections, Wike emphasized his political affiliation.
“Let me be clear: I work as a politician. He stated, “I decided to become a politician because politics is about winning.”
He addressed claims of voter disenfranchisement and refuted them.
Disenfranchisement: What is it? Does it deter people from voting if a party declares it is not ready for an election? People who were disenfranchised were not denied the right to vote, which was not the case, he stated.
In closing, Wike urged those who had been wronged to pursue legal action.
“Anyone who is unhappy should visit the tribunal. If the tribunal determines that a repeat is required, let them cancel the election. “The result won’t be any different,” he declared.
During the elections on February 21, the All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairmanship positions in the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Councils.
While the PDP won the leadership in Gwagwalada, the ruling party declared victory in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje.
