…FCT minister assures power restoration, women inclusion; tasks residents on Tinubu’s 2027 victory
Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Abaji Area Council chairman over the establishment of the University of Science and Technology, saying the institution will emerge as a landmark achievement that will attract commendation during his tenure.
Wike gave the commendation on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting held with political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths in Abuja, where he described the university project as a major step towards advancing development in the area.
The minister assured residents of Abaji that the persistent electricity challenge confronting the area would soon be addressed, directing the council leadership to intensify efforts towards restoring reliable power supply ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike also promised wider participation of women in governance, assuring stakeholders that women would be given more opportunities to contribute to political and administrative responsibilities across the Federal Capital Territory.
The FCT minister challenged Abaji residents to convert their declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid into actual votes, insisting that political loyalty must be reflected through performance at polling units and wards.
He said his mandate as political coordinator was focused on mobilising support for Tinubu and ensuring victory across all six area councils of the FCT.
Addressing stakeholders at the town hall meeting, Wike urged political leaders who had pledged allegiance to the President to prove their commitment through grassroots mobilisation and electoral results.
“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.
The minister tasked the Abaji Area Council chairman, councillors and other political stakeholders with the responsibility of delivering their respective wards for Tinubu, stressing that true leadership must be judged by achievements and not mere assurances.
Wike declared that the FCT would not settle for matching Rivers State in political mobilisation but would strive to surpass it, adding that he would deploy the same mobilisation approach that strengthened Tinubu’s support base in Rivers.
“Nobody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” he stated.
He called on traditional rulers, women groups, youths and political leaders across the territory to take the mobilisation campaign to the grassroots and secure support for Tinubu at every polling unit and ward.
Wike also criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, questioning his capacity to manage the complex responsibilities of leading Nigeria.
The minister alleged that Obi would avoid the nation’s challenges if given the responsibility of the presidency, claiming that he would rather escape to Cameroon than confront difficult situations.
According to Wike, Nigeria needs a leader who can take tough decisions, accept responsibility and confront national problems directly, praising President Tinubu for what he described as courage in tackling difficult issues.
He maintained that the presidency was not an avenue for political showmanship or public relations but an office requiring competence, courage and commitment to national development.
The minister also criticised elected representatives who, according to him, disappear from their constituencies after securing electoral victories, urging voters to consider accessibility and performance when choosing leaders.
“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of the FCT?” Wike asked.
He advised residents to evaluate political office holders based on their contributions to development, ability to solve community challenges and willingness to remain connected with the people.
Wike disclosed that he would meet with FCT youths on Wednesday to discuss political participation, mobilisation and other issues affecting young people ahead of the 2027 elections.
He assured stakeholders that the necessary structures and resources were being put in place for the Rainbow Coalition’s mobilisation activities, expressing confidence that opposition parties would not stop the movement.
The minister described the Abaji engagement as the final phase of his tour of the six FCT area councils ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that he would return to assess the level of satisfaction among residents.
He urged voters to hold political aspirants accountable for the challenges facing their communities, insisting that those seeking public office must demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing the needs of the people.
Wike reaffirmed his confidence that President Bola Tinubu would secure another term, urging FCT residents to remain united and work together towards delivering the territory for the President in 2027.
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