MARGARETH CHIDERA
ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged opposition politicians to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that political differences should not prevent them from recognising what they consider positive developments.
Wike spoke on Wednesday, October 14, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where political leaders, governors and other stakeholders gathered ahead of the 2027 general election.
The former Rivers State governor, who described himself as a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite his support for Tinubu, argued that opposition politicians should not reject government policies simply because they belong to different political parties.
He faulted opposition narratives portraying the Tinubu administration as having achieved little, arguing that the president had shown a willingness to confront difficult national challenges that previous administrations had failed to adequately address.
According to Wike, political disagreements should not prevent politicians from objectively assessing government policies and acknowledging decisions they believe are beneficial to the country.
Backs state police proposal
On national security, the FCT minister expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to tackle insecurity, highlighting the proposed establishment of state police as a reform that could strengthen security management.
The proposal has continued to generate debate over constitutional safeguards, funding, accountability and the relationship between federal and state authorities.
Wike’s position comes amid persistent security challenges across parts of Nigeria and calls for reforms to improve the country’s security architecture.
Challenges campaign council members
The minister also challenged members of the Presidential Campaign Council to demonstrate their political influence through measurable results in their respective areas of responsibility.
He urged them not to rely solely on their appointments or positions but to translate their political commitments into tangible outcomes.
Wike’s remarks formed part of the discussions at the inauguration, which brought together political figures from different party backgrounds, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The gathering highlighted the political alliances and cross-party relationships emerging ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The Media and Publicity Team of the Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals (FORCEPA), which reviewed the proceedings, identified Wike’s intervention as a significant contribution to discussions on governance, public accountability and political cooperation.
The forum said public assessments of government performance should be guided by verifiable policies, measurable outcomes and the experiences of Nigerians across different sectors.
