VIDEO: WIKE TO RECOMMEND FCT UBEC CHAIR FOR PDP CANDIDATE WHO WITHDREW FOR APC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to recommend Julius Adamu, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council, to President Bola Tinubu for appointment as chairman of the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB).

Wike made the promise during an interactive town hall meeting with political stakeholders and residents in Bwari, where he praised Adamu for withdrawing from the chairmanship race and supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Joshua Ishaku, ahead of the February 2026 area council election.

The minister explained that he had approached Adamu and persuaded him to step aside in the interest of political unity and the broader campaign to secure Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. According to Wike, Adamu accepted the request without hesitation and committed himself to supporting Ishaku.

Wike described the former PDP candidate as a formidable politician whose decision demonstrated humility and willingness to prioritise collective interests over personal ambition.

He said he would forward Adamu’s name to the President for consideration, adding that the gesture was intended to recognise his cooperation during the political process.

The promise followed an appeal by Deborah Ayorinde, the APC women’s leader in Bwari, who urged the minister to recognise Adamu’s decision to withdraw from the contest and support the party-backed candidate.

Adamu’s withdrawal came before the February 21, 2026, area council election, in which Ishaku emerged victorious after securing 18,466 votes, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The announcement has drawn attention to Wike’s efforts to build political alliances across party lines in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the 2027 general election. The minister has repeatedly urged residents to support Tinubu’s second-term ambition, citing infrastructure projects and other interventions by the administration.

Wike’s pledge, however, remains a recommendation to the President rather than a confirmed appointment. Adamu’s eventual position on the FCT Universal Basic Education Board will depend on the relevant appointment process.