Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to recommend former PDP chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, for an appointment with the FCT Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB, following his decision to withdraw from the chairmanship race.
Wike made the promise on Thursday during a meeting with political stakeholders and traditional rulers in Bwari, where Adamu was commended for stepping down in the last area council election to support the current chairman, Joshua Ishaku.
APC women leader in the council, Deborah Ayorinde, had appealed to the minister to recognise Adamu’s decision to put the collective interest of the council ahead of his personal ambition, after he agreed to withdraw from the race following discussions with political leaders.
Responding to the appeal, Wike said Adamu’s decision demonstrated humility and a willingness to support the political arrangement aimed at promoting unity among stakeholders.
Recounting how he approached the former PDP candidate, the minister said he had asked him to step down to ensure a peaceful election and strengthen the team supporting President Bola Tinubu.
“I said, ‘Look, for the sake of what we are doing, for the sake of the next year’s election for Mr. President, can you please step down so that we can have a peaceful election?’”
Wike said Adamu accepted the request without hesitation and also sought his intervention with his father, who endorsed the decision to support Ishaku.
Announcing the planned recommendation, the minister said, “Let me say here today, immediately I leave here, I will write a statement to Mr. President for appointment. He will be the man I will recommend to Mr. President for him to be in charge of FCT UBEB.”
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku, acknowledged Adamu’s decision to step aside, expressing confidence that the minister’s promise would eventually be fulfilled.
“The full package is surely on the way. I remember when you gave instructions regarding my younger brother stepping down, and he complied; I know that package will manifest in due time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the FCT APC chairman, Tanko Yamawo, commended Wike for fostering cooperation among politicians across party lines, saying the arrangement had strengthened relationships within the political class in the territory.
He said the political understanding would benefit stakeholders beyond the candidates endorsed under the coalition.
