Wike stated this on Tuesday at the Abaji Area Council Rainbow Coalition and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, where he urged FCT residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The minister questioned Obi’s ability to manage the country’s numerous challenges, arguing that Nigeria needed a leader with the courage and capacity to take difficult decisions rather than abandon the country when the going gets tough.
He contrasted Obi with Tinubu, whom he praised for his willingness to confront difficult situations, insisting that the presidency was not a platform for political theatrics or public relations but an office that demanded responsibility and decisive leadership.
Turning to the 2027 election, Wike challenged political leaders in Abaji to demonstrate their loyalty to Tinubu through actual votes, warning that he would judge them by their ability to deliver their respective wards.
“Let me repeat what I said yesterday. To the people of Abaji, through their chairman, councillors and leaders, you come from different wards. You have told me you will vote for Tinubu. I have no problem with that. I want to see it,” he said.
He specifically tasked the Abaji Area Council chairman, councillors and other political stakeholders with ensuring Tinubu’s victory in their communities.
Wike also declared that the FCT must outperform Rivers State in the 2027 elections, promising to deploy the same political mobilisation strategy in Abuja.
“Nobody is competing with Rivers. I don’t know what you all think. The only people who are going to compete with Rivers are the FCT. Whatever I will do there, I will do it here. So make sure you beat Rivers,” Wike said.
The minister further warned FCT residents against repeating what he described as the mistake of the 2023 elections, when they allegedly voted for candidates who abandoned them after securing electoral victory.
“You went and elected somebody you don’t know. Is it not correct? Have you seen the person again? Has he come to address you? Has he asked you what your problems are? Has he moved anything that will affect the interest of the FCT?” he asked.
Wike disclosed that he would meet with FCT youths on Wednesday to discuss political mobilisation and issues affecting their participation in the forthcoming elections.
He assured stakeholders that preparations and resources for the campaign were already being put in place, expressing confidence that the Rainbow Coalition would successfully mobilise support for Tinubu.
Beyond the political campaign, the minister renewed his commitment to addressing Abaji’s electricity challenges before the 2027 elections. He directed the area council chairman to intensify efforts to restore power supply and urged residents to hold political office seekers accountable for the development problems facing their communities.
