Again, Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition

*Says Political Detractors Lack Capacity to Unite

By Stanley Onyekwere

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has criticised opponents of the APC-PDP Rainbow Coalition, saying his political detractors lack the capacity to unite their own families, communities or political groups.

Wike explained that the cross-party coalition was established to promote unity, cooperation and development across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking in Abuja during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civic Centre, Wike commended APC and PDP leaders in the area for putting aside their political differences in the collective interest of residents.

He called for an end to confrontational politics in the FCT, stressing that the territory needs collaboration rather than political hostility.

The minister urged FCT residents not to repeat what he described as their voting mistakes in 2023, calling for stronger and more accessible representation at the National Assembly.

He questioned whether the current senator representing the FCT adequately understands the specific challenges facing the territory’s six area councils.

Wike also openly endorsed Senator Philip Aduda alongside other candidates supported by the coalition.

He declared his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, urging grassroots voters to mobilise early and turn out in large numbers at their respective polling units.

The FCT APC Chairman, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, praised Wike’s intervention, noting that the coalition had helped ease political tensions and reduce campaign-related violence in Gwagwalada.

Similarly, the FCT PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed Dogara, commended Wike for prioritising development over party affiliations and reviving long-abandoned infrastructure projects.

The Aguma of Gwagwalada, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, also praised the minister’s commitment to continuity in governance.

The Women Leader, Hajia Hajara Abdullahi, and the Youth Leader, Inuwa Guzo, pledged the support of their respective groups for Tinubu, Aduda and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.

In his remarks, the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Hon. Kassim Mohammed, highlighted the road projects completed by his administration and appealed for further federal intervention on the road linking the Army checkpoint to the Specialist Hospital.

Similarly, a former chairman of the council, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi, said the Civic Centre was about 80 per cent complete when he left office but suffered extensive vandalism during its 16 years of abandonment.

Community leaders also commended the council for rehabilitating and reopening the Civic Centre for public use.

Local representatives further appealed to Wike for the construction of a new cottage hospital and the rehabilitation of the Gwagwalada football stadium, which they said had been abandoned for more than 25 years.