Wike’s PDP Sets May 25 For 2027 Presidential Primary, Releases Full Election Timetable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has unveiled its timetable for the 2027 General Elections, setting May 25 for the Presidential primary. The announcement came in a communique at the close of the party’s 106th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, read by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Mohammed in Abuja on Wednesday. According to the schedule, the submission of the party’s membership register is set for April 10, State Assembly primaries on May 2, National Assembly primaries on May 9, and gubernatorial primaries on May 16. The PDP said the timetable aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) revised schedule for the 2027 elections, in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022. It also covers the submission of the membership register and the conduct of primaries for all elective offices, including timelines for resolving disputes arising from the primaries. Party organs and stakeholders were urged to begin preparations immediately and strictly follow the approved timetable and statutory requirements. The NEC praised the National Caretaker Working Committee (NCWC), led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, for stabilising the party during the transitional period. It also welcomed the successful conclusion of the Ward and Local Government Congresses, noting that State Congresses are scheduled for this weekend nationwide, and expressed confidence they would be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in line with party guidelines.

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Pastor Ibiyomie Claims Spiritual Intervention Secured Wike’s Rivers Governorship And Re-Election

Pastor David Ibiyomie of Salvation Ministry has claimed that he played a key spiritual role in helping Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, secure the governorship of Rivers State. During a sermon at the church’s Port Harcourt headquarters, Ibiyomie said he first met Wike when the politician’s election victory was in serious jeopardy. In a video circulating online, the pastor recounted, “Wike lost in the High Court, lost in the Appeal Court, and the Supreme Court had passed judgement against him becoming governor. I called him while I was in Israel; he was shaking, but I told him not to fear. I assured him God would intervene. He said, ‘Papa, I believe you.’ At the time, he was in PDP while APC was in power, and we were holding five nights of Glory. After the program, Wike approached me on Tuesday, with judgement scheduled for Friday. I told him that even if the judgement was against him, I command it to turn around. He had no money then, being in the opposition. When everything turned in his favour, he said, ‘Papa, I knew this is God.’ I was the only priest invited during his Thanksgiving.” Ibiyomie also said he intervened spiritually during Wike’s re-election when winning again seemed unlikely. “During his second attempt, it looked like he would lose. Plans were already in place to ensure his defeat. Someone approached me saying, ‘You prayed for Wike; let’s see how he wins.’ He was shaking, so I covenanted with God. I gave millions to God on his behalf, without telling him. I said, ‘Lord, not for his sake, but for my sake,’” Ibiyomie added. According to the pastor, these spiritual interventions were decisive in turning both of Wike’s elections in his favour.

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I Will Make Sure Ireti Kingibe Doesn’t Return As FCT Senator – Minister Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated unequivocally that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return as the FCT’s representative in the Senate, citing her lack of accountability and inadequate public service delivery. Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike dismissed claims that Kingibe had attempted to reach him for communication. “I don’t even know her number. I’m not the man who pretends. I don’t pretend, and I know I don’t pretend. Mark it today — second of March. My report card will show. Your report card should also show. What did you do as a senator when you were in office?” he said. Wike stressed that collaboration should be based on performance and results rather than titles or positions. “I want to visit satellite towns and communities so people can see what has been done. I’m not here to abuse anyone. I want to collaborate, but collaboration must be meaningful. If you are a senator, ensure you perform. We shouldn’t take ideas for granted,” he added. The minister’s comments reinforce his stance that effective governance and tangible achievements should determine leadership roles, rather than mere political presence.

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FCT Council Elections: Wike Declares Friday Work Free, Restrict Movement

Ahead of the Saturday, February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced work free day on Friday, as well as restriction of movement from 8pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday. The Minister, who made this known in a special broadcast on national television and radio stations on Thursday, urged residents of the FCT to come out enmasse to vote for candidates of your choice. In the broadcast the Minister said; “On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory. The election of either new or returning Chairmen and Councilors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote. “I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility. “As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election. We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum. “At this juncture, with the approval of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a Work Free Day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections. “Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm of Friday, February 20 to 6pm of Saturday, February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. “Let me again use this opportunity to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment bill 2026 into law. This demonstrates his commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are free, fair, and transparent. “My dear residents, Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process. “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice. “Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT. “Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

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Nigeria Judicial System

Court Orders FCT Workers to Suspend Strike Pending Case Resolution

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja has ordered workers under the Joint Union Action Committee to suspend their ongoing strike, following an interlocutory injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration. The suit, filed against the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee, Rifkatu Iortyer, and its Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, under case number NICN/ABJ/17/2026, sought to restrain the defendants and their members from engaging in any industrial action, picketing, or lockout. Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim recognized that the matter qualified as a trade dispute and met the required legal conditions but emphasized that the right to strike is not absolute. He directed that workers must halt any strike action once a dispute is brought before the National Industrial Court. Any ongoing strike must cease until the court delivers a final judgment. “An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimants. This order shall remain in effect pending the determination of the suit,” Justice Subilim stated.

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Wike Loyalists Secure APC Tickets For Rivers Assembly Bye-Elections

Loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have emerged as candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Rivers State House of Assembly bye-elections fixed for February 21, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct the polls to fill two vacant seats in the state legislature for Ahoada-East Constituency II and Khana Constituency II. The seats became vacant following the death of the Khana lawmaker, Hon. Dunebari Loolo, and the resignation of the Ahoada-East representative, Edison Ehie, who stepped down amid Rivers State’s lingering political crisis. Ahead of the primaries, the APC held congresses at the constituency level to select delegates, with five delegates produced from each area. The delegate selection exercise took place on Sunday, supervised by committees appointed by the party’s National Working Committee, while the primaries on Monday were observed by INEC officials and security agencies. At the end of the exercise, Hon. Napoleon Ukalikpe, said to be loyal to Wike, secured the APC ticket for Ahoada-East Constituency II. In Khana Constituency II, the party’s ticket went to Mrs. Bulabari Loolo, widow of the late lawmaker, in what party insiders described as a compensatory gesture following her husband’s death. The development is reported to have unsettled the camp of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. Some sources claim the outcome suggests the governor may have conceded ground at the expense of his loyalists, while others insist political actors aligned with Wike simply outmaneuvered Fubara’s supporters during the primaries.

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Ole Ole – FCTA Workers Chase Minister Wike’s Convoy In Abuja Over Unpaid Salaries And Welfare Disputes

Parts of Abuja were thrown into chaos on Monday as aggrieved workers reportedly pursued the motorcade of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike amid ongoing protests over unpaid salaries and welfare concerns. The workers, who have been on strike, became visibly agitated when Wike’s convoy passed, with a video obtained by Naija News showing protesters chanting “ole” (thief) and advancing toward the minister’s vehicles, demanding immediate action on their grievances. The incident occurred during a wider protest by staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who staged a picket at the National Industrial Court in Abuja as part of an indefinite strike over long-standing labour disputes. The NLC affirmed full support for the strike, calling it a justified response to what it described as continuous violations of workers’ rights by FCTA management and political leadership. Protesters listed several unresolved issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, poor working conditions, and lack of essential tools, saying repeated engagements with FCTA authorities had failed to resolve their concerns. At the court, workers carried placards demanding Minister Wike’s removal, reflecting mounting frustration among civil servants over unaddressed welfare issues. The protest disrupted sections of Abuja’s central district, highlighting deepening discontent with administrative responses. Labour leaders emphasized that the strike is a measure of last resort after months of unsuccessful negotiations with the FCTA.

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Youths Protest At APC Secretariat, Demand Removal Of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

On Friday, youths gathered at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat to demand the removal of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of showing disrespect to party leaders. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “President Tinubu, sack Wike now,” “Stop disrespecting APC members,” “No minister is above APC,” “APC no be Wike property,” “APC must restore order,” “Wike, APC leadership is not your mate,” and “Wike, no more political threats.” The demonstration followed a public clash between Wike and APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru over political issues in Rivers State. Basiru had urged Wike to resign from his ministerial role, criticizing what he described as the minister’s “obsession” with Rivers politics. He emphasized that all members of the APC National Working Committee must respect sitting governors as party leaders in their states. 'Sack Wike now' — protesters besiege APC headquarters, ask Tinubu to dismiss FCT minister pic.twitter.com/A7yU0tK2DU — TheCable (@thecableng) January 23, 2026

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