By Sarah NEGEDU
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has assured residents of a free and fair atmosphere for the upcoming Area Council elections in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike, who gave the assurances in his 2026 New Year message to residents, said eligible voters are expected to exercise their rights responsibly to choose local leaders.
According to him, “The new year is also a politically vital one for residents of the Federal Capital, and in fact, all Nigerians. In a few weeks, Area Council elections will kick off in the six Area Councils of the Territory, and eligible voters are expected to exercise their rights to choose their leaders at the local government level. I urge you all to use your votes wisely.”
The Minister, in a message he personally signed, also assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide an environment conducive for the orderly hosting of all political events preceding and relating to the 2027 general elections as well.
He said, “Later in the year, campaigns are expected to begin nationwide ahead of Nigeria’s general elections in 2027. Being the Centre of Government, the Federal Capital Territory would witness a beehive of activities around this period.
“Be assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide an environment conducive for the orderly hosting of all political events preceding and relating to the general elections as well.”
He therefore urged residents to approach the elections with diligence and law-abiding conduct, emphasizing that the success of the democratic process depends on collective responsibility.
The minister also reflected on some of the administration’s achievements in 2025, noting that great strides were made in infrastructure, health, security, and social services, thanks to the cooperation of residents.
He stated that the Administration has laid the groundwork for projects and programmes across critical sectors such as education, health, the judiciary, transportation, agriculture, and security, which will directly improve the lives of residents.
“As an Administration, we have already laid the groundwork for projects and programs that will trigger positive developments in critical sectors of society, such as education, health, the judiciary, transportation, agriculture, and security. We therefore look forward to commissioning rehabilitated schools, roads, bridges, health facilities, transportation hubs, facilities for the judiciary, security infrastructure, and programmes that will impact FCT residents positively.”
He expressed hope that the coming year would see more support from residents to transform plans and projections into tangible developments across the Territory.
He noted that in the coming year, residents can expect the commissioning of rehabilitated schools, roads, bridges, health facilities, transportation hubs, judiciary infrastructure, and security projects.
Wike also reflected on 2026 as a historic year marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, describing the golden jubilee as a testament to the vision of the founding fathers and the resilience of Nigerians who have continuously demonstrated unity and peaceful coexistence over the past five decades.
He commended the achievements of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that development has reached all areas of the FCT, from the Abuja Municipal Area to Abaji, Kuje, and Kwali, and solicited further support from residents as more projects are rolled out.
The Minister also urged residents to imbibe virtues of diligence, discipline, and determination, stressing that these values are essential for realizing collective goals and ensuring peace, prosperity, and progress in the Territory.
