Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that the just-concluded FCT Area Council elections have drawn a clear line between what he described as genuine political actors and “roadside” pretenders who stage photo opportunities with corn sellers during campaign season.
In a firm assessment of the Saturday polls, Wike said the voting pattern across the territory reflects a maturing democratic culture and a rejection of what he called empty populism. According to a statement issued on Sunday night by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister spoke during a special national broadcast monitored across the country.
Wike commended residents of the Federal Capital Territory for the peaceful conduct of the elections, arguing that the outcome demonstrated that voters can distinguish between sustained governance and seasonal political theatrics.
“The election has further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for campaign optics just to deceive Nigerians,” Wike said.
He maintained that FCT residents have shown they cannot be swayed by what he termed “emergency democrats” who, in his words, refuse to acknowledge progress under the current administration.
The minister credited the successful conduct of the polls to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the Renewed Hope Agenda has strengthened public confidence in the democratic process.
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While congratulating both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party for their victories in various councils, Wike noted that the participation of multiple parties underscored the principle that majority rule remains central to democracy, while minority voices still retain relevance. He also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for maintaining order and transparency during the exercise. According to him, ongoing efforts to amend the Electoral Act and deepen INEC’s independence have further strengthened electoral integrity.
Addressing the newly elected council chairmen and councillors, Wike urged them to treat their victories as a responsibility to serve rather than a prize to celebrate. He called on them to govern with humility, discipline and a sense of duty to their constituents.
The minister reassured residents, including those in satellite towns, that the FCT Administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, public services and grassroots development in line with the president’s policy direction.
