Rainbow Coalition has reduced political hostility in FCT — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged other states to adopt the Rainbow Coalition model, saying cooperation between political parties has helped promote peace and stability in the territory.

Wike made the call during an engagement with political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths in Kuje Area Council, where he also promised that the road linking Airport Road through Tipper Garage to Gwagwalada would be completed and commissioned by the end of December.

The minister said the coalition had brought leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together to pursue common interests despite their political differences.

He argued that the arrangement could reduce political hostility and violence if replicated elsewhere in the country.

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“If Nigerian politics can come to this level, we will not be hearing about fighting; we will not be seeing ourselves killing each other,” Wike said.

He added that the model was also being implemented in Rivers State, describing cooperation across party lines as an opportunity for politicians to focus on development rather than partisan divisions.

Wike cited former FCT Senator Philip Aduda as an example of a politician whose support, he said, extended beyond a single party under the coalition arrangement.

The minister also urged residents to consider accessibility, accountability and performance when choosing their representatives, warning against what he described as political gambling ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He questioned the engagement between the current FCT senatorial representation and residents, alleging that some communities had not received adequate attention from their elected representatives.

Wike contrasted this with Aduda’s relationship with constituents, saying effective representation required elected officials to understand the everyday challenges facing the people.

On infrastructure, the minister assured residents that the Airport Road–Tipper Garage corridor linking to Gwagwalada would be completed and commissioned by December.

He recalled that traditional rulers in Kuje had previously identified the road as a priority, urging the administration to address its condition before considering other demands.

Wike said the first phase of the project had already been commissioned, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

“Let me assure you, to the glory of God, by the end of December, we will also commission the one that leads to Gwagwalada,” he said.

The minister urged residents to assess the improvement in the road network and said the projects were intended to improve connectivity and living conditions in satellite communities.

However, the Hakimi Agwai of Kuje Area Council, Shuibu Pada, pledged the community’s support for the minister and appealed for more road construction in interior communities, including routes connecting Rubochi, Kwali and neighbouring settlements.

He said communities beyond the major road corridors also needed government attention.

Senator Jibrin Usman Wowo also expressed support for Tinubu and the APC, saying consultations involving women, youths, elderly residents and traditional rulers in Kuje had produced an agreement to support the party in the forthcoming elections.

“Honourable Minister, I want to assure you that we in Kuje Area Council have sat down and agreed that Kuje people are going to vote APC from top to bottom,” Wowo said.

The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, commended the administration’s infrastructure programme and political engagement, saying the coalition had encouraged leaders from the APC and PDP to work together.

Similarly, the FCT PDP Chairman, Ismael Dogora, credited Wike’s administration with fostering political unity and improving infrastructure in the territory.

Dogora said the current political environment had reduced hostility among party supporters, adding that residents had benefited from amenities they previously demanded through protests.

Kuje Women Leader Aishatu Yakubu commended the administration for recognising women’s role in political mobilisation but called for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making. She also appealed for additional road projects.

In his welcome address, Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Shekwolo said the administration’s development projects had changed perceptions about the area, which he said had previously been associated with limited development opportunities.

Shekwolo praised the minister’s infrastructure programme and said political stakeholders who once belonged to opposing camps were now working together.

He also urged residents to vote for Tinubu, Aduda and Dablandi Chiya in the January 16, 2027 elections, reflecting the political support expressed by several speakers at the gathering.