Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he has a right to campaign for any political candidate he chooses, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded by affirming that it respects his freedom to associate and campaign.
Mr Wike’s comments followed public reactions to his support for certain candidates during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on February 21, 2026, where voters elected chairmen and councillors across six council areas including AMAC, Bwari and Gwagwalada.
The elections were managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Political activities around the FCT polls included public endorsements and campaign engagements by various political figures. Mr Wike’s statements addressed questions about his political involvement and campaign support.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, Wike said he has the constitutional right to campaign for any candidate he supports and emphasised his belief in active participation in democratic processes.
He said he would continue to express his views and support candidates of his choosing as allowed under the law.
The APC responded through its National Publicity Secretary saying the party recognises Wike’s right to support and campaign for any candidate he prefers.
The party’s statement noted that freedom of association and expression are guaranteed under the Constitution of Nigeria.
The party’s position did not specify which candidates Mr Wike supported but said it acknowledges individual choice and engagement in political campaigns as part of democratic rights.
Wike’s statement highlights the exercise of political rights by senior political figures in Nigeria, including engagement in campaigns beyond their formal offices.
Recognition by the APC of his freedom to campaign reflects broad constitutional guarantees of political participation and expression.
In the context of local electoral activities in the FCT, discussions about endorsements and political campaigns reflect the interaction between party politics, individual political actors and voter mobilisation efforts.
