Wike to ask Tinubu to appoint ex-PDP Bwari candidate as FCT UBEC chair

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he will put forward the name of Julius Adamu to President Bola Tinubu for the chairmanship of the FCT Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Adamu was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Bwari Area Council chairmanship before he withdrew from the race in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike made the promise at a town hall meeting in Bwari last week. A video of the event was posted on Monday on the X account of his media aide, Lere Olayinka, and reported by Punch, Legit.ng and Leadership.

According to the minister, he will send Adamu's name to the President as soon as he leaves the meeting. Adamu, who was in the crowd, went on his knees to thank him, the reports said. Other residents also came forward to show their appreciation.

Why the seat matters

UBEC coordinates basic education across the country, and its FCT office oversees primary and junior secondary schooling in the territory. Whoever heads it helps decide how basic education funds are shared and how schools in the area councils are supported, which matters to parents with children in public schools.

Wike said he first noticed Adamu during the last area council election, describing him as a strong contender. He said political leaders agreed on the APC's Joshua Ishaku, and that he asked Adamu to step aside so the contest would be free.

He said Adamu agreed at once and asked him to speak with his father, who also backed the decision. Wike quoted the father as saying his son would not run and would support Ishaku.

"He did not waste time. He said, 'Sir, anything you tell me to do... I'm ready to do it.'"

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ishaku the winner of the February 2026 Bwari chairmanship election with 18,466 votes across the council's 10 wards.

Wike, who coordinates the APC Presidential Campaign Council in the FCT, said the arrangement was partly to prepare for Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. He urged Bwari residents to back the President and other APC candidates, and warned them against politicians he called "political gamblers."

What happens next

The appointment is not yet made. Wike has only said he will recommend Adamu; the President decides whether to approve the nomination. The reports did not say when that decision is expected.