The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s Area Council elections, declaring that the outcome has shown Nigerians “the ruling party and the real opposition party” in the country.
In a special nationwide broadcast on Sunday evening, Wike described the smooth conduct of the polls as a testament to the commitment of FCT residents to democracy and good governance.
According to him, the election further exposed what he termed the hypocrisy of “emergency democrats” who attempt to deceive Nigerians with populist gestures during campaigns.
“This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party,” Wike said. “The residents of the FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaign just to mislead Nigerians.”
The Minister thanked President Tinubu for what he described as the remarkable development recorded in the FCT under his leadership, noting that the outcome of the election reflected the President’s vision and the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance,” he said. “This election is a reflection of the President’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people.”
Wike also commended candidates who participated in the election, saying their involvement underscored their belief in democratic ideals and the importance of minority voices in the political process.
He congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on their victories, describing the exercise as evidence of a maturing democratic culture.
The Minister further praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he called a free, fair and credible election, as well as security agencies for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere throughout the exercise.
He also lauded President Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework, particularly through the amendment of the Electoral Act to enhance the credibility of elections.
“To the winners, you have been given a mandate to serve the people. I urge you to do so with upmost humility, dedication and commitment to excellence,” Wike said, while encouraging residents, especially those in satellite towns, to continue supporting government efforts to develop the FCT.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the Minister pledged that the FCT Administration would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
