POLITICAL Economy

Wike Reaffirms Commitment to Developing FCT, Debunks Allegations of Council Election Influence

by admin on | 2026-03-03 10:27:08

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Wike Reaffirms Commitment to Developing FCT, Debunks Allegations of Council Election Influence

By Abdullahi Muhammad
Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to delivering on its pact with residents through the provision of critical infrastructure and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the territory.

The Minister stated this during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, March 2, 2026. He recalled that upon assuming office, he met with rural communities to solicit their support for the administration and, in return, promised massive infrastructure development across the FCT.

“You must have heard me say agreement is agreement; if you do for me, I do for you. Every party will say we are going to give you good governance and provide infrastructure. I said if you vote for us, leave it for us to do our own part. Our own part is to provide infrastructure as we promised,” the Minister said.

Wike also announced that he would tour all FCT Area Councils to thank residents for their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as reflected in the results of the recently concluded Area Council elections.

Debunks Allegations of Interference

Addressing the outcome of the polls, the FCT Minister dismissed claims by the opposition that he interfered in the elections, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five out of the six council seats.

He rejected allegations that his presence at some polling units influenced the results, explaining that he visited about 10 out of over 3,000 polling units strictly for observation purposes and not to sway the process in favor of any candidate.

“I was never on the ballot and I never came out to say vote for APC. All I said was that candidates supporting Mr. President are the candidates I will support. Are you telling me that because I visited 10 polling units out of 3,000 polling units, that’s how it influenced the election and you lost?” he queried.

The Minister noted that no provision of the law barred him from moving around on election day, clarifying that only candidates contesting the election were restricted. As the Chief Security Officer of the FCT, he said, he had the responsibility to monitor developments and ensure order.

Clarifies Movement Restrictions

Wike also responded to claims that movement restrictions amounted to a curfew designed to influence the elections. He emphasized that all security measures were approved by the Presidency to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

He denied declaring a curfew or public holiday, explaining that only a work-free day was granted prior to the election to enable residents to prepare, while movement was restricted strictly between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on election day.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the FCT, it is my duty to safeguard lives and property,” Barr. Wike said, adding that the restriction followed intelligence reports and was aimed at preventing violence and limiting the influx of people from neighboring states during the polls.

“I never declared a curfew; I never declared a public holiday. I said it was by the approval of Mr. President. We had intelligence reports and we didn’t want a situation of violence during the election. This is not the first time a government has restricted movement during an election,” he explained.

On Voter Turnout and Opposition Claims

Addressing concerns over voter turnout, the Minister pointed to a disparity between urban and rural participation. He observed that while influential figures in urban areas often criticize the government, rural communities—where the FCT Administration has focused much of its infrastructure development—turned out in large numbers.

He further challenged opposition claims of voter disenfranchisement, stating that mobilizing supporters was the responsibility of political parties and candidates, not the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the government.

“These people shouting every time that people didn’t come out are the same ones telling people that this government is not doing well. The only option you have is to mobilize people to come and vote against the government you claim is not doing well.

“Look at where Senator Ireti voted. Her polling unit, where we thought you could mobilize people, ADC had two votes, APC had three votes, and PDP had one vote. That is a senator’s polling unit. You remember the ADC candidate said this is not Obio/Akpor. Now the reality has dawned on them,” the Minister stated.

Drawing an analogy with academic examinations, Wike stressed that political success requires preparation and grassroots engagement.

“You are going to school and you know exams will come in two or three months’ time. Nobody waits for exams before preparing. It is a process. You must attend classes; you must read to be prepared for the exams,” he added.