By Becky Momodu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has secured President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the provision of four buses to support youth mobilisation across the territory ahead of the January 16, 2027 election.
Wike disclosed this on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
The Minister also announced November 10 for a meeting with youths from the six Area Councils, following concerns raised by youth representatives over delays in granting them an audience.
Explaining the decision to provide the buses, Wike said he sought the President’s approval during the gathering to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
“While you were speaking, I had to seek the approval of Mr President. When that is approved, we should give the youths four buses so that they can go around and mobilise our people,” he said.
He urged the youths to mobilise women, traditional rulers and other grassroots stakeholders to secure massive participation in the forthcoming election.
Wike also promised a separate engagement with persons with disabilities, stressing that physical challenges should not prevent anyone from exercising their civic rights.
“Disability does not mean you do not have capacity. Disability does not mean that you will not exercise your franchise. So go now and mobilise all your people,” he stated.
The Minister’s mobilisation initiative comes amid efforts by the Rainbow Coalition to unite political parties, traditional institutions and community groups behind Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
At the gathering, stakeholders endorsed Tinubu for re-election, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, John Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency and former Kwali Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.
Wike challenged political leaders and supporters to translate their endorsements into actual votes, insisting that every stakeholder must deliver their polling units, wards, local governments and states.
He also attributed the growing support for Tinubu to the administration’s interventions in infrastructure, traditional institutions and the establishment of new administrative structures in the FCT.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), Abiodun Essien, urged residents to unite behind Tinubu, citing infrastructure projects and the Federal Government’s student loan scheme as evidence of the administration’s performance.
The FCT youth representatives, led by Youth Leader Yamawo Destiny and Resident Coordinator Felix Acka, commended Wike for establishing the FCT Youth Development Secretariat and appointing one of their members, Hon. Angwa Abdullahi, to head the agency.
They also praised the establishment of a youth centre in Karu and interventions in infrastructure and security across the territory.
