The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will support only candidates who are loyal to Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming FCT Area Councils election scheduled for February 21.
Wike made the position known on Saturday in Abuja during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Sandy Onor, describing his stance as a duty he owes to the President.
“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,” Wike said.
“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 on my stand.”
According to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications on Sunday, the minister stressed that his support would cut across party lines, insisting that political affiliation would not be a determining factor in the council polls.
Celebrating Sandy Onor at 60
Beyond politics, Wike paid glowing tribute to the celebrant, describing Senator Onor as a dependable ally and trusted friend.
According to him, Onor has proven his loyalty over time, particularly in difficult moments.
“I will continue to be with you and work with you, because I know even if I am not alive today, you will not abandon my family,” Wike said.
In a citation read at the event, Prof. Anthony Eyang traced Onor’s journey from his birth on February 14, 1966, in Ikom, Cross River State, to his academic career as a Professor of History and eventual transition into national and state politics.
“This reflects a life devoted to learning, leadership, and the advancement of society,” Eyang said.
Chairman of the planning committee, Senator Philip Aduda, described the occasion as a thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness in Onor’s life as both an academic and a politician.
Former Benue State Governor, Mr Samuel Ortom, who represented former Abia State Governor and Ambassador-designate, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, hailed the celebrant as “an icon,” adding that he is “a great Nigerian” who has prepared himself for leadership.
Also speaking, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kalu Agabi (SAN), said:
“I love Senator Sandy Onor because he is not one of those who stigmatize the constitution as a product of the military. He is a courageous and intelligent man.”
Prof. Dave Imbua, while presenting a Festschrift in honour of the celebrant, described Onor as a notable historian who has distinguished himself among academics. The book was unveiled by Ikpeazu on behalf of Wike and friends of the celebrant, with a donation of N50 million.
In his remarks, Senator Onor reflected on lessons from six decades of life.
He said he had realised that excellence and character remain central to meaningful achievement, noting that hard work ultimately pays.
However, he added that “everything becomes insignificant if the finger of God is absent.”
The senator expressed gratitude to family, friends and well-wishers for their support, assuring them that their show of love would not be taken for granted.
