Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the Federal Capital Territory in the next presidential election, declaring that no other political party stands a chance of winning the territory.
Wike also predicted a strong showing for President Bola Tinubu across the North, insisting that the President would secure significant votes in the region while former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar could struggle to gain substantial support in parts of the South.
Speaking on the political landscape ahead of the next presidential election, Wike said President Tinubu would secure at least 25 per cent of votes across the North.
“There is nowhere in the North that the President will not make 25 per cent. There are so many places in the South where Atiku won’t have 10 per cent,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also recalled political developments during the 2023 presidential election, alleging that former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom had openly opposed Atiku Abubakar over concerns surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the APC.
According to Wike, Ortom’s position was clear at the time, as he allegedly worked against Atiku’s presidential ambition and encouraged support for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.
“In 2023, the Governor of Benue, Ortom, we knew his bias because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. He went to block Atiku and told him to support Obi,” Wike stated.
Wike further revealed that he personally contacted Governor Ademola Adeleke and advised him to issue a statement supporting President Tinubu while thanking the President for what he described as a free and fair election.
The former Rivers State governor also took a swipe at the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the body of allowing its recent conference in Port Harcourt to become a platform for opposition politicians to promote themselves.
According to him, professional associations should be careful not to turn major national gatherings into political campaign grounds.
Wike, however, maintained that the APC would dominate the FCT in the next presidential election, insisting that his record in public office demonstrates that effective governance is achievable when leaders are committed to serving the people.
“No party will win the presidential election in the FCT except the APC. I came to the FCT to prove a point. There is nothing difficult about governance if you choose to work. You can check my record as Governor of Rivers State,” he said.
The minister’s latest remarks are expected to further fuel political debate as political actors begin to position themselves ahead of the next presidential election.
