Tinubu approves SUVs, four buses for FCT traditional rulers, youths – Wike

President Bola Tinubu has approved the purchase of brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for newly upgraded traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory, alongside four buses for youth mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Rally and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Rabi Musa Umar, Wike said the presidential approval was in recognition of the traditional rulers’ roles in preserving cultural heritage and maintaining peace in their communities.

He added that the vehicles would be delivered before December.

“Mr President has said that you cannot just answer royal fathers by mouth. You cannot just answer royal fathers by entering Keke Napep. You cannot answer royal fathers by entering Okada. That all of you, by the grace of God, before December, you will go with your SUV cars,” the minister said.

Wike described the FCT traditional institution as deserving of greater recognition and empowerment, noting that Tinubu had also approved the upgrade of traditional stools after 27 years.

The rally attracted traditional rulers, chairmen of the six area councils, leaders of indigenous communities, youth and women groups, as well as political leaders, including the All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party chairmen in the FCT.

Participants at the event endorsed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT Senate seat, John Gabaya for Abuja North and Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Charging supporters to translate the endorsement into votes, Wike urged political leaders and party members to mobilise voters at the grassroots ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.

“Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state,” he said.

The minister warned against politicians claiming electoral victories without securing support in their polling units.

“I don’t want to hear: I lost my polling unit, but we won. If you lose your polling unit, don’t say we won because you never contributed to the victory. So, everybody go home, it’s an operation to deliver your polling unit,” he stated.

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Wike also urged supporters not to repeat what he described as mistakes made during the 2023 elections, expressing confidence that Aduda would emerge victorious in the 2027 FCT senatorial contest.

“We shall never make the mistake we made in 2023. When you realise a mistake, you correct it. To God be the glory, come January 2027, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda will be elected because he identifies with you and cares about you,” he said.

He questioned the performance of the incumbent senator, asking whether he had organised meetings with constituents or sponsored bills addressing the interests of the FCT.

As part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in the election, Wike announced that Tinubu had also approved four buses for youths in the territory.

He fixed November 10 for an interactive session with young people across the six area councils, promising a separate engagement with persons with disabilities.

The minister maintained that physical disability should not prevent people from contributing to society, stressing that “disability does not mean you do not have capacity.”