FCT Voters Rejected ‘Emergency Democrats’ in Area Council Polls, Boasts Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that voters in the FCT rejected what he described as “emergency democrats” in the just-concluded Area Council elections, stating that the outcome reflects the electorate’s ability to distinguish between serious political actors and opportunistic contenders.

Speaking in Abuja following the February 21 polls, Wike said the results demonstrated that residents were not swayed by “popcorn politics” or last-minute political alignments. According to him, FCT voters chose candidates based on performance, credibility and commitment to grassroots development. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in five of the six Area Councils, consolidating its hold in the nation’s capital. The minister linked the party’s performance to ongoing infrastructure development and administrative reforms under the current federal leadership. Wike commended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful electoral process, noting that the exercise was largely orderly across the councils. He urged newly elected chairmen and councillors to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering impactful governance. President Bola Tinubu was also praised for what Wike described as sustained support for democratic institutions and development initiatives in the FCT. However, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) faulted the conduct of the elections, alleging interference and raising concerns about voter turnout. The party claimed certain administrative decisions ahead of the polls may have discouraged participation and called for a review of aspects of the process. Despite the criticisms, Wike maintained that the election outcome sends a clear political message ahead of future contests, insisting that FCT residents have identified what he termed “real democrats” committed to governance rather than rhetoric.