Wike hails Tinubu, says FCT elections expose ruling, opposition parties

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has praised President Bola Tinubu for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s Area Council elections, declaring that the outcome has clearly shown Nigerians the true ruling party and genuine opposition.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said this in a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations yesterday evening, describing the elections as a testament to FCT residents’ commitment to democracy and good governance. He congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on their victories, while slamming critics as ‘emergency democrats.’

“This election has, indeed, shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party,” Wike stated. He further exposed what he called the hypocrisy of opponents, saying, “Also, the election has further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaigning just to deceive Nigerians. Yesterday (Saturday), 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 credited Tinubu’s leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda for instilling optimism in FCT residents. “I thank Mr President for the development he has brought to the FCT. This election is a reflection of his vision and leadership and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people of the FCT,” he added.

The minister also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a free, fair and credible poll, security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and voters, especially in satellite towns, for turning out in large numbers. He urged winners to serve with humility and pledged continued delivery of democratic dividends.

“No doubt, the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the residents of the FCT, has not gone unnoticed,” he noted, highlighting Tinubu’s push for Electoral Act amendments to bolster credible elections.