Wike to Recommend Ex-PDP Candidate for FCT UBEC Chair

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to recommend Julius Adamu, a former Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council, for appointment as chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Commission.

Wike made the announcement during an interactive town hall meeting in Bwari last week. A video of the event was shared on Monday through the X account of his media aide, Lere Olayinka.

The minister said he would forward Adamu’s name to President Bola Tinubu for consideration, praising the former PDP candidate for his willingness to put the interests of Bwari residents and the president’s political ambitions ahead of his personal aspirations.

Adamu contested for the Bwari Area Council chairmanship under the PDP but later withdrew from the race to support the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Joshua Ishaku, ahead of the 2026 area council election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Ishaku the winner of the election in February 2026 after he secured 18,466 votes across the council’s 10 wards.

Speaking at the gathering, Wike disclosed that he did not know Adamu before the last area council election but recognised him as a strong contender after observing his political activities.

The minister explained that discussions among political leaders eventually led to the decision to support Ishaku, who is now the chairman of Bwari Area Council.

According to Wike, he personally approached Adamu and asked him to withdraw from the contest to support the APC candidate in the interest of political unity and preparations for Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.

He said Adamu accepted the request without hesitation, explaining that the former candidate was willing to make the sacrifice if it would benefit the people of Bwari and strengthen the political team working towards Tinubu’s second term.

Wike further disclosed that Adamu asked him to speak with his father after agreeing to step down from the race.

The minister said Adamu’s father also supported the decision, assuring him that his son would respect the agreement and work towards ensuring Ishaku’s victory.

Wike described Adamu’s action as an example of humility and obedience to political leadership, noting that the former candidate had demonstrated his willingness to put collective interests above his personal ambition.

Announcing his decision to recommend Adamu for the FCT UBEC position, the minister said he would submit the former candidate’s name to Tinubu immediately after leaving the meeting.

The announcement triggered excitement among members of the audience, with several people approaching Wike to express their happiness over the promise.

Ishaku was also seen kneeling before the minister to show his appreciation following the announcement. Other members of the crowd, including 13 men and four women, equally moved towards Wike to celebrate the development.