By Olawumi Oyehan, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, at the weekend, has declared his supports for Senator Phillip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT Senatorial position under the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC during the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Wike gave the endorsement during a stakeholders thank-rally by the FCT indigenous people led by the Ona of Abaji and chairman council of Chiefs of traditional rulers of the FCT, Alhaji Baba Yunusa in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
During the stakeholders engagement, Wike was turbaned as the “Hasken Abuja” (Light of Abuja) by the FCT Council of Chiefs in recognition of his infrastructural development thrive in the nation’s capital.
Responding to some of the requests made by the Monarchs, Wike told them that achieving their demands for more senatorial seats and better representation requires a “ranking member” with legislative influence
Addressing the traditional rulers, Wike criticized the FCT’s current representation, claiming a “mistake” was made in the 2023 elections. He argued that the Senate is a place for “eyeball to eyeball” negotiations where ranking and experience are the primary currencies of power.
”I will tell you where I stand because I mean well for you. I will support Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda.
“Aduda has been in the Senate; he was the Senate Minority Leader. If he goes back, he carries experience and he’s ranking. When he’s talking, his colleagues will listen to him,” Wike declared.
He maintained that the FCT’s political future depends on having a “strong voice” in the National Assembly to lobby for the expansion of senatorial seats.
The Minister took a swipe at unnamed aspirants, specifically mentioning a Council Chairman who had not yet been sworn in but was already eyeing the Senate.
He said :”You cannot take somebody who has had experience in the National Assembly for over 14 years as somebody who has not completed a second term as Chairman. If you play politics on that kind of thing, it will consume you.”
Wike reminded the monarchs that despite the FCT giving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu less than six percent of the vote in 2023, the President has prioritized the territory’s infrastructure.
He cited upcoming projects in Orozo and Bwari, as well as the approval of tractors for all 17 Chiefdoms.
”You made a mistake in 2023… but he still remembered that you are Nigerians. Now that you have expressed that you are backing him, what will happen? More things will come to you,” Wike said, urging the monarchs to reciprocate the President’s gestures as the 2027 elections approach.
The Minister also addressed the recurring strikes in the FCT, warning incoming Council Chairmen to prioritize education.
He insisted that there is “no excuse whatsoever” for children to be out of school due to industrial actions, urging leaders to solve problems rather than “cry” about them.