“Grassroots Endorsement”: Wike Flips Abuja and Rivers for Tinubu
ABUJA — Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has described the All Progressives Congress (APC) sweep of the weekend’s elections as a loud “vote of confidence” in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Reacting to the official results on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Wike noted that the APC’s performance in the FCT Area Council elections and the Rivers State by-elections signals a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. He argued that the victories prove that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is finally trickling down to the hinterlands and remote communities.
With the APC now controlling the vast majority of local council seats in the nation’s capital, Wike has further solidified his position as a key bridge-builder for the presidency, even as he continues to navigate the complex waters of his own party, the PDP.
Flipping the Hinterlands
The Minister highlighted a historic shift in the FCT, where the APC secured five out of six chairmanship seats, losing only Gwagwalada to the PDP. The Breakthrough: For the first time, the APC captured multiple councillorship seats in remote, “hinterland” areas that were traditionally opposition strongholds. The Interpretation: “The people in the most remote parts of Abuja are feeling the impact of our infrastructure drive,” Wike stated. “This isn’t just a political win; it’s a sign that our policies are changing lives at the grassroots.”
The “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers
Wike also addressed the outcome of the Rivers State by-elections (including Khana II and Ahoada East II constituencies), where the APC recorded significant gains. The Alliance: The Minister credited the success to what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition.” This alliance brought together various political stakeholders and cross-party interests to support pro-Tinubu candidates. The Goal: “This victory belongs to a broader alignment of interests,” Wike said. “We have built a coalition that transcends party lines because we all believe in the President’s vision for a more resilient Nigeria.”
A Rehearsal for the Future
Wike, who monitored the polls across the territory on Saturday, February 21, emphasized that the results should serve as a warning to those doubting the administration’s popularity. The Outlook: He noted that the growing cross-party collaboration seen in the Rivers “rainbow” alliance will likely define future electoral contests. The Message: “The dynamics are shifting. People are choosing results over rhetoric,” the Minister added.
With the APC now controlling the vast majority of local council seats in the nation’s capital, Wike has further solidified his position as a key bridge-builder for the presidency, even as he continues to navigate the complex waters of his own party, the PDP.