\n\nThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sent a strong political signal ahead of the FCT Area Council elections by declaring that he will support only candidates who openly back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming polls scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Wike made the declaration on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, a former senator and respected statesman, describing it as both a tribute to Onor’s leadership and a platform to restate his political stance.
Addressing party leaders, dignitaries and well‑wishers at the event, the FCT minister said his political loyalty to President Tinubu remains unwavering and that he would only mobilise support for candidates who share that commitment — “irrespective of their political party.”
“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21 and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said. “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 for my stand.”
Wike, a leading figure in national politics and Minister of the FCT, described the birthday celebrant, Senator Onor, as not only a friend but a “credible ally, a trustworthy friend and good brother” whose loyalty has stood the test of time. He added: “I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family.”
Senator Onor, who was born on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, was celebrated for his contributions to academia and public service, having moved from the lecture halls of the University of Calabar to the Nigerian Senate and into Cross River State politics.
The event also drew notable political figures, including former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who lauded the celebrant’s courage, intellect, and commitment to national development.
Political analysts say Wike’s declaration underscores the importance of presidential influence in local elections, particularly in the FCT where political allegiances often shift ahead of major polls.
The FCT Area Council elections are expected to test grassroots mobilisation and the ability of political heavyweights to shape outcomes across the territory’s six area councils.
