FCT polls: Wike praises Tinubu, says Nigerians have identified real opposition

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the peaceful and credible conduct of Saturday’s Area Council elections, saying the outcome has clarified for Nigerians which parties constitute the ruling government and the “real opposition.”

In a broadcast aired on Sunday on national television and radio stations, Wike said the orderly process underscored the commitment of FCT residents to democratic governance and institutional stability.

“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance,” he said, thanking residents for participating in what he called a renewed and credible democratic process.

Wike argued that the results demonstrated voters’ discernment, adding that attempts at symbolic populist gestures during the campaign had not swayed the electorate. According to him, residents rejected what he termed “emergency democrats” and political theatrics.

Read Also: Tinubu congratulates winners of elections in FCT, Kano, Rivers

The minister also attributed the outcome to Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that ongoing infrastructure and governance reforms in the FCT have strengthened public confidence.

“This election is a reflection of the President’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people of the FCT,” he said.

He congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on their victories, stating that the result showed Nigerians now recognise the dominant governing party and the principal opposition.

Wike also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a free, fair, and credible poll, and praised security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise.

He further lauded Tinubu’s support for electoral reforms, including amendments to the Electoral Act aimed at strengthening transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Addressing winning candidates, Wike urged them to approach their mandates with humility and a focus on service delivery, particularly in satellite towns and under-served communities across the FCT.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends in line with the President’s policy agenda.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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