The Digest:
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared he will support only candidates backing President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the February 21 FCT area councils' election, regardless of political party. Speaking at Senator Sandy Onor's 60th birthday in Abuja, Wike stated: "I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win. It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand." The minister's declaration underscores his commitment to Tinubu's re-election campaign at the grassroots level. The FCT area councils election holds on February 21 across the territory's six area councils.
Key Points:
- Wike's declaration signals federal might may be deployed to influence local council elections in FCT.
- It raises concerns about the independence of grassroots elections and level playing field for candidates.
- Pro-Tinubu candidates gain significant advantage, while opponents face ministerial opposition.
- This reflects the ruling party's strategy to leverage appointed officials for electoral influence.
- The timing, days before the February 21 poll, puts opposition candidates on immediate notice.
Sources: Daily Trust, NAN
