The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has asserted that electoral victory is determined by measurable performance rather than symbolic gestures aimed at swaying public sentiment.
Wike made the remarks in Benin City, Edo State, during the handover of 54 construction vehicles and equipment to the 18 local government areas of the state.
Addressing attendees, the minister cautioned Nigerians against what he described as “emergency democrats” — politicians who, according to him, suddenly seek to identify with ordinary citizens during election periods.
“Winning an election is not by dancing. It is not by buying corn on the road,” Wike said. “Winning an election is to show the people what you have done and the foundation you have laid.”
He criticised public displays that he suggested were designed to attract sympathy from voters, arguing that such actions often do not reflect a politician’s long-standing character or record.
“When they were in office, they hardly came out to talk about buying corn on the road to chew. Something you have never done since you were born, simply because you want to deceive the people to say you are one of the people,” he added.
Wike also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, pointing to ongoing development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory as evidence of governance driven by results.
“Mr President is busy developing the FCT. That is performance. That is what people should look at,” he said.
Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike stated that he would not contest the outcome of the last presidential election, citing what he described as visible achievements under the current administration.
“As a PDP member, I will not challenge the result because I know what Mr President has done in the FCT,” he said.
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