The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised politicians opposing the Rainbow Coalition, describing them as greedy and selfish individuals who lack the ability to unite their supporters.
Wike made the remarks on Monday, November 2, 2026, during an interactive meeting with stakeholders of the Rainbow Coalition at the newly constructed Gwagwalada Civic Centre in Abuja.
The meeting formed part of his ongoing political mobilisation across the six area councils of the FCT ahead of the 2027 general election, with the aim of securing support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and other APC-backed candidates.
During the meeting, the minister also announced plans to complete the abandoned Gwagwalada Mini-Stadium, following requests from local youths for better sports facilities.
He said the project would give young people an opportunity to develop their sporting talents, adding that the next football star could emerge from the area if the right facilities were provided.
“The youths have said here that they are not asking much. They want somewhere they can play sports in the morning, evening and at weekends,” Wike said.
“You never can tell, one day we may have somebody like Lionel Messi or Mbappe here. Give them the opportunity. Let me assure you that we will come back and complete that abandoned project.”
The minister also directed the FCTA’s Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to work with the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Kassim Mohammed, to relocate the local abattoir immediately.
Addressing the Mandate Secretary for Agriculture, Ango Abdullahi, Wike warned that failure to carry out the directive could cost him his job.
“Liaise with the chairman and the abattoir should be moved immediately. If you don’t do it, your job is at stake,” he said.
Wike, who also commissioned the newly completed Gwagwalada Civic Centre, praised the area council chairman for delivering the project and commended residents for turning out in large numbers.
He recalled previous infrastructure commitments made to the area, including the major road leading to Zuba, which he said was expected to be completed in December. He also highlighted other road projects delivered across Gwagwalada.
Wike urges residents to support Tinubu and APC candidates
Turning to the 2027 elections, the minister urged residents to come out and vote for President Tinubu, Senator Philip Aduda, House of Representatives candidate Danladi Chiya and other APC candidates under the Rainbow Coalition.
He described election day, January 16, 2027, as an opportunity for residents to demonstrate their political strength through their votes.
“On the day of the election, it will not be a day for market or fishing. It is the day all of us have decided to come together and demonstrate our strength through our votes,” he said.
Wike also criticised the choice of political representatives in the 2023 elections, arguing that some elected officials had failed to maintain meaningful contact with their constituents.
He specifically urged voters to reject Senator Ireti Kingibe, saying they needed representatives who were accessible and understood the concerns of their communities.
“You made a mistake in 2023 by electing somebody who has never sat with you one day to discuss. Therefore, today, we have decided to tell Senator Ireti Kingibe bye-bye,” he said.
The minister praised Senator Philip Aduda for what he described as his relationship with young people, students and traditional rulers.
He also credited the Rainbow Coalition with bringing together politicians from the APC and PDP, creating a more peaceful political atmosphere in the FCT.
Wike said those opposing the arrangement were driven by personal interests rather than the need for political unity.
“Some greedy and selfish politicians do not understand what we call unity. They have no capacity to hold their space, their families or even their communities. So, they can open their mouths and say no Rainbow Coalition. All of us in the Rainbow Coalition have agreed to work together,” he said.
Responding to requests from students for direct engagement, Wike disclosed that the Chief of Staff would announce a date for a town hall meeting with students after his scheduled interaction with FCT youths on November 10.
Gwagwalada leaders pledge support for Rainbow Coalition
The Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Kassim Mohammed, reaffirmed his support for the APC and the Rainbow Coalition, promising to mobilise residents behind Tinubu and other party-backed candidates.
He said the infrastructure projects delivered under the current FCT Administration would form a major part of the coalition’s campaign message ahead of the elections.
Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Hajara Abdullahi thanked Wike for the development projects across the rural parts of the FCT and promised that women in Gwagwalada would support the coalition in 2027.
Similarly, a youth representative, Comrade Inuwa Gusau, praised the minister for supporting the area council chairman and promised the backing of young people for Tinubu and APC candidates.
The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, and PDP Chairman, Mohammed Dogara, also commended Wike for bringing politicians from different parties together under the Rainbow Coalition.
They said political activities in the FCT, particularly in Gwagwalada, had previously been marked by violence and tension.
The Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, also praised the spread of infrastructure projects across the territory.
He urged political candidates to embrace everyone, regardless of party affiliation, during and after the elections.
Former Gwagwalada area council chairmen, Adamu Mustapha Danze and Zakari Angulu Dobi, alongside other political stakeholders, attended the meeting.
