The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday intensified efforts to mobilise political support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Wike urged Nigerians to embrace the Rainbow Coalition as a platform for national unity, political cooperation and sustainable development.

He said the coalition, which brings together political leaders and supporters across party lines, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), offers an opportunity to put aside partisan differences and work for the collective interest of Nigerians.

Wike faulted politicians opposing the Rainbow Coalition, saying those criticising the political alliance lack the capacity to unite their families and communities.

The minister spoke at the commissioning of Gwagwalada Civil Centre and during a town hall meeting in Gwagwalada, Abuja, attended by traditional rulers, area council chairmen, political leaders, youth groups and supporters of the two major political parties.

The gathering was part of Wike’s ongoing engagements across the six area councils of the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the Rainbow Coalition as a strategic political arrangement capable of uniting diverse interests, strengthening grassroots participation and building wider support for Tinubu’s administration.

He said, “Some greedy and selfish politicians do not understand what we call unity. They have no capacity to hold their space, they have no capacity to even hold their families, and they have no capacity to hold their communities. So they can open their mouths and say there is no Rainbow Coalition”.

According to him, Nigeria needs a political movement that prioritises governance, performance and the welfare of citizens above party affiliations.

“What is governance? Making the people happy. Never in the history of the FCT have you seen all of us sitting together like this—not to fight, not to break heads, but to discuss with understanding for the interest of the FCT and the unity of our people,” he said.

Wike maintained that the success of governance should be measured by its impact on the lives of the people, insisting that political leaders must be accessible and responsive to the needs of their constituents.

He urged Nigerians to support the coalition, arguing that bringing political forces together would strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign and provide a broader platform for advancing development across the country.

The minister also challenged political office holders to demonstrate effective representation through regular consultations with their constituents, traditional institutions, youths and other community stakeholders.

Taking a swipe at the current pattern of representation in the FCT, Wike urged residents not to repeat what he described as the political mistake of the 2023 elections.

He questioned whether the current National Assembly representation had adequately engaged communities across Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), drawing negative responses from the audience.

Wike said representation should not be limited to election periods, adding that elected officials must maintain constant contact with the people and understand their challenges.

He cited the APC senatorial candidate, Senator Philip Aduda and other grassroots political leaders as examples of politicians who maintain relationships with their constituents. 

He urged all to also vote for Aduda.

On infrastructure and community development, the minister commended the Gwagwalada Area Council chairman for his efforts, recalling requests for the completion of important roads, including those leading to Zuba.

He said the FCT Administration had responded to some of the demands, stressing that development projects should cut across political and geographical boundaries.

Wike also directed relevant officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), to address concerns raised by youths over abandoned community projects and the need for recreational facilities and community centres.

He said appropriate sites should be identified to provide spaces for youth development, educational activities and community engagement.

The minister further called on residents of the six area councils to mobilise massively for the 2027 elections, describing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as instruments through which citizens could determine their  political future.