President Bola Tinubu has approved the provision of four buses for youths in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to support grassroots mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 Area Council elections.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, disclosed the approval on Saturday, October 31, during the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Wike said he sought the President's approval after youth representatives raised concerns about transportation challenges affecting their ability to reach communities across the territory.
According to the minister, the buses are expected to support mobilisation activities across the FCT's six Area Councils.
“While you were speaking, I had to seek the approval of Mr President. When that is approved, we should give the youths four buses so that they can go around and mobilise our people,” Wike said.
He urged the youths to use the opportunity to engage residents, women, traditional rulers and other grassroots stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The minister also announced November 10 as the date for an interactive meeting with youths from the six Area Councils, following complaints about delays in granting them an audience.
Wike further promised to organise a separate engagement with persons living with disabilities, stressing that physical challenges should not prevent anyone from participating in public life or exercising their voting rights.
The announcement formed part of discussions at the stakeholders' gathering, which brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, women representatives and community stakeholders.
The event also featured endorsements of Tinubu for a second presidential term in 2027, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat. John Gabaya and Danladi Chiya were also endorsed for the Abuja North and Abuja South federal constituencies, respectively.
Wike urged political leaders and supporters to strengthen their grassroots structures, insisting that endorsements must translate into actual votes during the elections.
He challenged stakeholders to take responsibility for their polling units, wards and Area Councils rather than relying on the efforts of others.
The January 16, 2027 election will determine leadership positions across the FCT's six Area Councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
The provision of the buses is expected to feature in the FCT's wider political mobilisation activities as parties and stakeholders prepare for the local elections.