I’ll back only candidates who support Tinubu, says Wike

PRESIDENTIAL aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has stepped up consultations with key stakeholders on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of efforts to reinforce unity, discipline and purposeful leadership within the party.

Last week, Hashim paid a solidarity visit to the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed. The meeting, which also had in attendance Senator Zainab Kure, widow of the late former Niger State Governor, Abdulkadir Kure, focused on strengthening cohesion within the party amid prevailing political challenges.

This was as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said he will support only candidates who support President Bola Tinubu’s vision, irrespective of political party, in the FCT area councils’ election scheduled for February 21.

Hashim commended Governor Mohammed for what he described as his steadfast commitment to multi-party democracy and resilience in upholding party principles under pressure.

He stressed the urgent need for reconciliation and collective resolve among party leaders, noting that a united PDP is essential to restoring public confidence and repositioning the party for electoral success.

“Our unity is our strength. We must close ranks, rebuild trust and present a cohesive front capable of delivering credible leadership to Nigerians,” Hashim said.

The discussions later expanded to include the PDP Deputy National Chairman, the Bauchi State PDP Chairman and aides to the governor. The meeting concluded with a symbolic group photograph underscoring solidarity and shared purpose.

In a related development, Hashim also met with PDP chairmanship candidates ahead of the FCT Area Council elections.

The engagement brought together the state chairman, secretary, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and incumbent Area Council chairmen. The meeting was described as strategic and forward-looking, with deliberations centred on strengthening grassroots structures, promoting transparency and ensuring discipline in party activities.

Addressing the candidates, Hashim emphasised the importance of collaboration, effective leadership and grassroots engagement as critical factors for electoral victory.

WIKE made the statement in Abuja on Saturday night during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday, a celebration of six decades of scholarship, leadership, service, and meaningful impact.

The minister, who said he owed no one an apology for supporting Tinubu, promised to back any candidate aligned with the President.

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate who supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stand,” Wike said.

Speaking about the celebrant, Wike described Onor as a “credible ally, a trustworthy friend, and a good brother.”

According to him, Onor is not only a friend but a reliable one, even in times of trouble: “I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family.”