Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has declared that he will back only candidates who support President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, vowing to oppose aspirants who do otherwise regardless of their political party.
Wike made the statement on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, where political heavyweights gathered to honour the lawmaker and academic.
“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on Feb. 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said. “It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate who is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology on my stand.”
The minister’s remarks signal a firm alignment with the president and suggest that loyalty to Tinubu will be a decisive factor in the FCT’s local political contests. His declaration comes amid ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s capital territory, where party affiliations have often shifted in recent election cycles.
Beyond politics, Wike used the occasion to praise the celebrant, describing Onor as “a credible ally, a trustworthy friend and good brother.” He emphasised the senator’s loyalty, particularly during difficult times. “You know who a friend is when you are in trouble,” Wike said, adding that their bond would endure. “Even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family.”
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Onor, born on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, began his career in academia before venturing into politics. According to a citation read by Prof. Anthony Eyang, the professor’s journey started at the University of Calabar and later took him to the floor of the Nigerian Senate, reflecting what Eyang described as “a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society.”
Chairman of the planning committee, Senator Philip Aduda, said the event was a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life as both an academic and politician.
Former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom, who represented the occasion’s chairman, Okezie Ikpeazu, described Onor as “an icon” and “a man prepared for leadership.” Similarly, former Attorney General of the Federation, Kalu Agabi, praised the senator’s courage and intellect, noting that he does not dismiss Nigeria’s constitution as merely a military creation.
A major highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a Festschrift, a collection of scholarly essays written in Onor’s honor by Ikpeazu on behalf of Wike and friends of the celebrant, accompanied by a N50 million presentation.
In his response, Onor reflected on his six decades of life, stressing the value of excellence, character, and hard work. However, he underscored the role of faith above all. “Everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent in one’s life,” he said, thanking family, friends, and well-wishers for their unwavering support.
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