Wike speaks on FCT Area council elections

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended Bola Tinubu for what he describes as the orderly conduct of the FCT Area Council elections, saying the results have clarified Nigeria’s political direction.

The governing All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairmanship seats, leaving the Peoples Democratic Party with Gwagwalada as its only victory.

In a broadcast, Wike said the peaceful process reflected residents’ faith in democracy.

“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance. I thank the residents for believing in the renewed and credible democratic process being championed by the government of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

He added that the outcome showed that “Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”

Wike congratulated both APC and PDP candidates, noting, “To all the candidates who participated in the election, I commend your belief in our democracy. Your participation is a proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when it is the majority that will always have its way.”

He criticised government opponents, saying the poll had “further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaign just to deceive Nigerians.”

“Yesterday, the residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government,” he said.

The minister also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for ensuring what he called a credible and peaceful exercise. He urged the newly elected chairmen to serve with humility and focus on improving the welfare of residents.