Wike Says PDP Still Unchanged, Reaffirms Support for Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday in Abuja said he will continue to support President Bola Tinubu and political candidates who align with the President’s second-term bid, despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He spoke during a media meeting where he addressed issues within his party, the recent FCT council elections, and claims of political interference.

Wike explained that his decision to back Tinubu dates back to 2023 and has not changed. According to him, he made his position clear before the last general election and worked in line with that decision because he believed other parties did not present strong alternatives at the time. He stated that his political direction remains the same.

He expressed concern about the internal affairs of the PDP, saying the party has failed to correct its past mistakes. He also said that as a serving minister, he was not consulted by his party before it chose candidates for certain elections. This, he noted, reflects ongoing issues within the party structure.

The minister said his support is not limited by party lines. He stated that he would stand with candidates from any political platform as long as they back the President’s re-election plan. In his view, loyalty to the President’s agenda is his main consideration.

Speaking on the February 21, 2025, Area Council elections in the FCT, Wike described elections as a process that starts from candidate selection and runs through campaigns before voting day. He rejected claims that the polls were flawed simply because of events on election day.

He also addressed the movement restriction placed on the FCT ahead of the election. According to him, the decision was approved by the President and was meant to prevent security problems. The restriction began at 8 p.m. before the poll.

Wike said voting still took place between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on election day and denied that voters were prevented from casting their ballots.

On criticism about his presence at polling units, Wike said he acted within the authority given to him as a minister. He maintained that he was not a candidate in the election and did not instruct anyone on how to vote. His position, he said, was only to support those who align with the President.

He also responded to claims that some voters were denied participation. According to him, failure by any political party to prepare properly for an election does not amount to voter suppression.

He said anyone dissatisfied with the outcome should approach the election tribunal for legal action, adding that he believes the results would remain the same even if reviewed.

In the outcome of the February 21 elections, the All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairmanship seats across the Area Councils in the FCT.

The party secured victories in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the Peoples Democratic Party won in Gwagwalada.