The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, praised President Bola Tinubu on Sunday for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s Area Council elections in the FCT, saying the results had clarified the country’s political landscape.
The All Progressives Congress won five of the six FCT Area Council leadership seats.
The ruling party gained Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the Peoples Democratic Party won the chairmanship of Gwagwalada, the opposition’s only council.
“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance.
In a special broadcast on national television and radio stations, the FCT minister described the exercise as a sign of people’s dedication to democracy and good administration.
Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, signed a statement containing information from his broadcast.
“I thank the residents for believing in the renewed and credible democratic process being championed by the government of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Wike also stated that the results of the poll demonstrated that “Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”
He congratulated the APC and PDP for their victories, commending all candidates who participated in the election.
“To all the candidates who participated in the election, I commend your belief in our democracy.
“Your participation is proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when it is the majority that will always have its way,” he stated.
The former governor of Rivers State also took a swipe at critics of the government, saying the election “further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnuts from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaigning just to deceive Nigerians.”
“Yesterday, 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,” Wike said.
He ascribed the peaceful exercise and poll results to Tinubu’s leadership and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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 of the FCT,” he said.
Wike also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting what he described as a free, fair, and credible election, as well as security agencies for ensuring a peaceful environment during the polls.
“At this juncture, I also congratulate the Independent National Electoral Commission for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. This is a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are transparent and reliable,” he said.
He called on the winners to serve with humility and dedication.
“To the winners of the elections, I congratulate you on your victory. You have been given a mandate to serve the people, and I urge you to do so with humility, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Work tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents and bring development to our communities,” Wike said.
The minister also congratulated FCT people, particularly those from satellite towns, for turning out in huge numbers.
“As an administration, we pledge to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he added.
