The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged other states to adopt the Rainbow Coalition model, saying it has promoted political cooperation, peace and stability in the FCT and Rivers State.

Wike spoke during an interactive engagement with political leaders, traditional rulers, women and youths in Kuje Area Council, where he said politicians from different parties could work together to advance development rather than allow partisan differences to fuel hostility and violence.

“If Nigerian politics can come to this level, we will not be hearing about fighting; we will not be seeing ourselves killing each other,” he said.

The minister explained that the coalition had brought leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) together to pursue common political objectives despite their party affiliations.

He said the arrangement was also operating in Rivers State, adding that political candidates emerging under the coalition would enjoy the support of stakeholders across party lines.

Citing former FCT Senator Philip Aduda, Wike said effective representation required elected officials to maintain close relationships with their constituents and understand their everyday challenges.

He urged Kuje residents to consider accessibility, accountability and performance when choosing their representatives, warning against what he described as political gambling.

Wike also called for sustained cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying political differences should not prevent leaders from working together in the interest of the people.

Airport Road–Gwagwalada project

On infrastructure, the minister assured residents that the road project linking the Airport Road–Tipper Garage corridor to Gwagwalada would be completed and commissioned by the end of December.

He recalled that traditional rulers in Kuje had previously identified the road as a priority during one of his visits, urging the administration to address its poor condition.

Wike said the first phase of the project had already been commissioned, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

“Let me assure you, to the glory of God, by the end of December, we will also commission the one that leads to Gwagwalada,” he said.

He urged residents to compare the road’s previous condition with its current state, describing the project as part of efforts to improve connectivity and living conditions in satellite communities across the FCT.

The Hakimi Agwai of Kuje Area Council, Shuibu Pada, pledged the community’s support for the administration, saying residents would reciprocate the minister’s interventions. He, however, appealed for road construction to be extended to interior communities, including routes linking Rubochi, Kwali and neighbouring settlements.

Pada acknowledged improvements along major corridors but stressed the need to extend infrastructure development to communities outside those routes.

APC, PDP leaders pledge cooperation

Earlier, Senator Jibrin Usman Wowo expressed support for President Tinubu and the APC, saying political stakeholders in Kuje had consulted and agreed to support the party in the forthcoming elections.

He said the consultations involved women, youths, elderly residents and traditional rulers, adding that the community intended to demonstrate its appreciation of government interventions through its votes.

“Honourable Minister, I want to assure you that we in Kuje Area Council have sat down and agreed that Kuje people are going to vote APC from top to bottom,” Wowo said.

The FCT APC Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, commended the administration’s infrastructure programme and political engagement, saying the coalition had encouraged APC and PDP leaders to work together.

He described the willingness of politicians from both parties to sit together as a significant development in Kuje’s political environment. He also said improved roads had eased movement between Kuje and neighbouring communities.

The FCT PDP Chairman, Ismael Dogora, also praised the coalition, saying political cooperation had reduced hostilities during the current campaign period.

According to him, the unity among political stakeholders had helped create an environment in which parties could engage without the violence and destruction of property he said had characterised previous political activities.

Dogora added that the administration had addressed some of the demands that previously prompted protests by FCT residents, particularly concerning the provision of amenities.

Women, community leaders seek more development

The Kuje Women Leader, Aishatu Yakubu, commended the administration for recognising women’s contributions to political mobilisation but called for greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making.

She also appealed for additional road projects to address the needs of communities across the area council.

In his welcome address, the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Samuel Shekwolo, commended Wike for what he described as his efforts to unite indigenous and non-indigenous communities across the FCT.

Shekwolo recalled that a lack of development had previously left some young people in Kuje with little hope for the area’s future, saying the minister’s interventions had helped change that perception.

He also praised Wike’s drive to execute projects and said the political environment had changed, with members of the ruling party and opposition now participating in the same coalition.

Shekwolo urged residents to honour their political commitments during the January 16, 2027, elections, calling on them to support President Tinubu, Senator Philip Aduda and Dablandi Chiya.

The engagement formed part of Wike’s ongoing consultations with political stakeholders and communities across the FCT on infrastructure delivery, political cooperation and preparations for the 2027 elections.