Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday in Abuja declared support for legislative candidates from outside the ruling party while campaigning for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
The minister addressed members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association, openly throwing his support behind Philip Aduda for the Senate. He called him a man of the people.
He also supported former area council chairmen who are contesting for seats in the House of Representatives, the lower lawmaking chamber.
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Wike explained that support for the president in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will extend directly to these selected legislative candidates.
He noted that his administration is building a multi-party group, called the Rainbow Coalition, to mobilise votes across various elective positions.
Opposition minister leading ruling party campaign
The minister maintains his membership in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main political group competing against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Despite his opposition party status, he continues to lead efforts gathering political support for the APC president.
His cross-party plan faces opposition from the Progressive Governors’ Forum, a group of elected APC state governors.
Challenging these ruling party governors, Wike asked supporters to prove their capacity through the party’s performance in the presidential poll scheduled for January 16, 2027.
What readers should understand
The FCT minister is using a unique political strategy by asking voters to split their ballots between different political parties.
While he wants voters to choose the APC candidate for the presidency, he is steering support toward specific non-APC candidates for the National Assembly, Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body.
This cross-party voting strategy relies heavily on local alliances and past development projects in Rivers State and the federal capital.
Resignation pledge tied to election results
To show commitment to his multi-party plan, Wike promised to step down from his cabinet position on 17 January, 2027, if President Tinubu loses in Rivers State or the FCT. NewDailyPrime had earlier reported this.
“If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here,” Wike said.
He stated that failing to deliver winning votes in his home state or his workplace would make his continued stay in office impossible to justify.
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