\n\nThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, “appeared not to have learnt,” as he defended his continued support for President Bola Tinubu and candidates aligned with the President.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja, Wike reiterated that his decision to back the President was not new and had been publicly declared in 2023.
“I told you in 2023 that even as a PDP man, I was going to work for the President. That is what I did because I believe, and rightly so, that the other parties did not present serious candidates,” he said.
The minister maintained that his political position remains unchanged.
Wike was critical of the internal state of his party, stating that it had failed to learn from past experiences.
“I have said several times that, as far as I am concerned, my party appears not to have learnt. That is why I said I was going to support Mr President for a second term,” he said.
He further faulted the party for failing to consult him on its candidates.
“As a minister, my party did not consult me on the candidates they were going to present,” he added.
The minister stressed that his support cuts across party lines, provided candidates are aligned with the President’s re-election bid.
“I said I would support candidates who support Mr President for his re-election. It does not matter which party they belong to. If they support Mr President, then of course I will pitch my tent with them,” he said.
On the conduct of FCT elections held on February 21, 2025, Wike emphasised that the process goes beyond voting day.
“Election is a process. It begins with the nomination of candidates, proceeds through campaigns, and then culminates in voting. It is not just about a particular day,” he said.
Wike also addressed the controversy surrounding movement restrictions announced ahead of the FCT polls, insisting the directive was issued with presidential approval and for security reasons.
“By the approval of the President, movement was restricted from 8 p.m. for security reasons. It was to ensure that people did not import troublemakers into the city to cause a crisis,” he said.
He rejected claims that the measure disenfranchised voters.
