Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027, saying the President has shown the courage to implement difficult but necessary economic reforms aimed at rebuilding Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike argued that Tinubu inherited decades of economic challenges that could not realistically be reversed within a few years. He urged Nigerians to support leaders willing to take bold decisions rather than those who rely on populist rhetoric.
The minister defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a landmark reform that has significantly increased revenue available to both the Federal Government and states. Drawing from his experience as a former governor, he recalled how states struggled to pay salaries and pensions under the subsidy regime, often resorting to bank loans.
According to Wike, the policy has improved public finances, allowing governments to invest more in infrastructure and meet financial obligations without excessive borrowing.
While acknowledging that the reforms have imposed short-term hardship on Nigerians, Wike insisted that rebuilding an economy weakened over many years requires time and patience.
He also criticised opposition figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing them of relying on political symbolism and rhetoric rather than practical leadership. Wike referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s past comments about Atiku, arguing they reflected concerns about the former vice president’s suitability for office.
Despite admitting that the Tinubu administration has not solved every national challenge, Wike maintained that the President remains the best leadership option for Nigeria, declaring that the ongoing reforms are already beginning to yield positive results.
