President Tinubu Commends Wike for APC Victory in FCT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has openly commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as remarkable achievements in the nation’s capital, noting that the impact of these achievements was reflected in the strong electoral performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT. The President’s commendation followed the successful conduct of elections and by-elections across several parts of the country, including the FCT, Rivers State, and Kano State.

On Saturday, Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), conducted elections into the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory. Simultaneously, by-elections were held in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State. The polls attracted nationwide attention due to their perceived importance as a test of public sentiment toward the ruling party and the broader democratic process.

At the end of the exercise, the APC recorded a strong showing, winning the majority of the positions contested across the affected areas. The outcome was widely seen as a boost for the ruling party and a reinforcement of its political structure ahead of future electoral contests.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu congratulated all the candidates who emerged victorious at the polls. He described their success as a reflection of the people’s confidence in their leadership and urged them to see their mandates as a sacred trust bestowed upon them by the electorate.

The President also lauded INEC for what he termed a largely peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections. He extended his appreciation to security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process, commending their professionalism, restraint, and dedication, which he said contributed significantly to the overall success of the exercise.

President Tinubu further urged the elected officials to govern with humility, patriotism, and a strong sense of responsibility. According to him, democracy thrives not only on winning elections but on how leaders use the opportunity of office to serve the people diligently and selflessly.

In a notable highlight of the statement, the President singled out Nyesom Wike for special praise, despite the FCT minister being a prominent member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Tinubu acknowledged that Wike’s visible infrastructural projects, administrative reforms, and hands-on leadership style in the FCT had yielded tangible political dividends for the APC.

According to the President, the transformation taking place in Abuja under Wike’s supervision has improved public perception of governance in the territory and strengthened the APC’s appeal among voters. He described the development as evidence that effective governance can transcend party lines and deliver political benefits beyond traditional loyalties.

“President Tinubu commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing All Progressives Congress,” the statement read. He also congratulated the APC national leadership, as well as the party’s leadership structures in Kano and Rivers States, for their efforts in securing victories at the polls.

Beyond celebrating electoral success, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of sustaining democratic culture and institutions. He reiterated the need for continuous improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on INEC to build on the gains recorded by delivering even more transparent, credible, and exemplary elections in the future.

The President also commended all contestants who participated in the elections, noting that democracy is strengthened through vibrant participation and healthy competition. According to him, the courage and discipline displayed by political actors before, during, and after the polls contribute to national stability and democratic consolidation.

As political reactions continue to trail the elections, Tinubu’s commendation of Wike has further fueled debate about cross-party collaboration, governance performance, and the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Nevertheless, the President maintained that his administration remains focused on strengthening democracy, improving governance outcomes, and ensuring that electoral mandates translate into meaningful development for Nigerians.