The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that only candidates loyal to President Bola Tinubu will receive his backing in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections.

Wike made the statement in Abuja during a public event marking the 60th birthday of Senator Sandy Onor. He described his political position as a responsibility linked to his role in the current administration.

In a statement issued through his media aide, the minister said party affiliation would not determine his support. Rather, he stressed that total commitment to the President’s leadership and policies would be the deciding factor.

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election, and I owe no apology for my stand,” Wike was quoted as saying.

The FCT Area Council elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, with voting expected to commence at 8:30 a.m. across approved centres in the territory.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that about 1.68 million registered voters are eligible to participate. Electorates will vote for chairmen and vice chairmen in the six area councils, as well as councillors across 68 wards.

INEC also announced that election results will be uploaded in real time via its IReV portal to enhance transparency and strengthen public confidence in the process.

Political parties, including the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and African Democratic Congress, have intensified preparations ahead of the poll.

On security arrangements, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps disclosed that about 4,000 personnel have been deployed across the FCT to ensure a peaceful election.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court has barred the Labour Party from participating in the election over alleged irregularities in its nomination process.