The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised politicians opposing the Rainbow Coalition, saying those condemning the alliance lack the ability to unite even their families and communities.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civic Centre and an interactive session with stakeholders of the Gwagwalada Area Council chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. At the event, political leaders from both parties pledged support for President Bola Tinubu and former Senator Philip Aduda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key Highlights
- Wike says critics of the Rainbow Coalition cannot unite their families or communities.
- APC and PDP leaders in Gwagwalada pledge to work together under the political alliance.
- Wike calls for grassroots mobilisation in support of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
- The FCT minister canvasses support for former Senator Philip Aduda.
- Stakeholders appeal for improved healthcare, road infrastructure and sports facilities in Gwagwalada.
Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition
Wike said the Rainbow Coalition, which brings together political stakeholders across the APC and PDP, was formed to promote unity, cooperation and development in the FCT.
Commending political leaders in Gwagwalada for putting aside their differences, the minister said their decision to work together demonstrated that the collective interests of residents should take priority over individual political ambitions.
He said:
“Some greedy and selfish politicians do not understand what we call unity. They have no capacity to hold their space, they have no capacity to even hold their families, and they have no capacity to hold their communities. So they can open their mouths and say there is no Rainbow Coalition.”
The minister challenged opponents of the alliance to explain why politicians who previously disagreed could not work together to pursue common interests.
He described the political development in Gwagwalada as a departure from confrontation, arguing that the FCT needed cooperation among political stakeholders rather than unnecessary hostility.
Wike Calls for Credible Representation in 2027
The FCT minister urged residents not to repeat what he described as the mistake of the 2023 general elections, calling for credible representation at the National Assembly.
According to him, the territory needs representatives who understand the challenges facing residents across its six area councils and can effectively communicate their demands to the Federal Government.
Wike questioned whether the senator representing the FCT understood the concerns of residents in Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji and the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
He specifically canvassed support for former Senator Philip Aduda and other candidates endorsed by the coalition, insisting that elected representatives should be accessible and familiar with the needs of their constituents.
Minister Mobilises Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
Wike also declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, urging political leaders and residents to mobilise voters at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on supporters to move beyond political endorsements and ensure that their preferred candidates receive votes at polling units.
“On the day of the election, it will not be a day for market or fishing. It is the day all of us have decided to come together and demonstrate our strength through our votes. Go to the polling units, districts and communities and mobilise the people to vote for Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
APC, PDP Chairmen Praise Wike’s Political Intervention
Earlier, the FCT APC Chairman, Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, described the gathering as historic, saying Wike’s political intervention had brought together leaders who previously operated on opposing sides.
Yamawo said politicians who had not regarded themselves as brothers because of their party affiliations were now sitting together and agreeing to work under one political platform in Gwagwalada.
He also commended the minister for reducing political tension in the area, noting that political campaigns had become more peaceful, without the destruction of vehicles and other violent incidents previously associated with political activities.
Similarly, the FCT PDP Chairman, Hon. Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed Dogara, praised Wike for his development interventions, particularly the revival of a project that had reportedly been abandoned for 16 years in Gwagwalada.
Dogara said the decision by political leaders across party lines to work together demonstrated the minister’s commitment to cooperation among stakeholders.
The Aguma of Gwagwalada, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, also commended Wike for his contributions to the development of the territory. He said the revival of the abandoned project highlighted the importance of continuity in governance.
Gwagwalada Chairman Lists Projects, Seeks More Support
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Kassim Mohammed, listed road projects executed by his administration in Gwagwalada metropolis, Tungan Wada, Abum-pe and other communities.
He thanked Wike for approving the establishment of a one-inch chip facility in Gwagwalada but appealed for intervention on the road linking the Army checkpoint to the Specialist Hospital.
Former Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi, recalled that the Civic Centre was almost 80 per cent completed when he left office. However, he said the facility was vandalised during the 16 years it remained abandoned, reducing its completion level to about 40 per cent.
Dobi commended the incumbent council chairman for reviving the project, describing its completion as a victory for residents regardless of their political affiliations.
Women and Youth Leaders Pledge Support
Also speaking, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze urged FCT residents to reciprocate the attention given to the territory by Tinubu and Wike through their votes in 2027.
The Gwagwalada Area Council Women Leader, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi, assured Wike of women’s support for Tinubu, Aduda and other APC candidates. She also appealed for the establishment of a cottage hospital to complement existing healthcare facilities.
The Gwagwalada Youth Leader and Special Assistant to the council chairman, Inuwa Guzo, pledged the support of youths across the APC and PDP blocs for the Rainbow Coalition.
He also appealed for the rehabilitation of the Gwagwalada football stadium, which he said had been abandoned for more than 25 years.
