By BONIFACE AKARAH

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged opposition politicians to acknowledge what he considers the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that party differences should not prevent them from recognising policies they believe are beneficial to Nigeria.

Wike spoke on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, where he defended his support for Tinubu despite his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Rivers State governor argued that political loyalty should not stop opposition figures from assessing government performance on its merits.

He rejected claims that the Tinubu administration lacked direction, arguing that the President had shown a willingness to confront difficult national challenges that previous governments had failed to adequately address.

On security, Wike expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to tackle insecurity and pointed to the proposed establishment of state police as a reform that could strengthen security management.

The proposal remains a subject of national debate, with questions surrounding constitutional safeguards, funding, accountability and coordination between federal and state authorities.

Wike also urged members of the Presidential Campaign Council to prove their political influence through measurable results in their respective areas, rather than relying on their appointments or positions.

A review of the inauguration by the Media and Publicity Team of the Forum of Chief Executives of Federal Parastatals (FORCEPA) identified Wike’s remarks as a significant intervention at an event that brought together political figures across party lines.

Those present included Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, highlighting the cross-party political alignments surrounding Tinubu’s re-election bid.

FORCEPA’s Media and Publicity Team said the event provided an opportunity to document stakeholders’ views on governance, accountability, security reforms and the relationship between political competition and national development.

The forum maintained that assessments of government performance should be based on verifiable policies, measurable outcomes and the experiences of Nigerians across different sectors.