The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday warned the opposition to dismiss the idea of defeating President Bola Tinubu in 2027, stressing that they should start crying ahead of the polls.

Wike said the opposition can decide to put their house in order after 2027 because they can’t defeat Tinubu in January.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja, the minister said: “While the winning man will be scoring over 500,000 votes, the second person scored over 400,000; the third person will be scoring 17,000? A party of the former governor? Then when it gets to the national election, that is where the party will win?

“Try, they know that the only thing they can do now is to start crying, but if it’s to win the election, no, they can’t win.

“Maybe after now they can start planning and putting their house in order, but if it’s this 2027 election against Tinubu, no, forget it, it’s over.

“How you choose leaders is what attempts or steps are you making to solve problems, so don’t be talking about opposition; say depleted opposition, which I’m one of those that depleted them.”

By Philomina Attah
The Anglican Communion has called on Christians to rebuild their relationship with God and one another to foster unity and societal transformation.

The Keffi-Karshi Missionary Diocese of the church made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of the First Session of its First Council, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Karu, Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by the Clerical Secretary to Council, Ven. James Bashayi, and Chancellor, Sir Chijioke Emeka (SAN), and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

The council meeting, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Gershinen Dajur, had the theme “Building Together With God.”

The diocese noted that genuine national and spiritual rebuilding begins with true repentance and a renewed relationship with God.

It rejected division, tribalism, ethnicity, pride, and indifference, while urging Christians to embrace unity, teamwork, and collective responsibility in serving God and humanity.

On the state of the nation, the council expressed concern over worsening insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

It called on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve personnel welfare, and address root causes such as poverty, unemployment, and arms proliferation.

While noting with cautious optimism the gradual national macroeconomic stability, the diocese urged government to ensure that economic reforms translated into better living conditions for citizens.

It called for prioritised food security, job creation, affordable energy, social protection, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the council cautioned against stifling opposition parties, noting that multi-party participation was vital for democratic accountability.

It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, and voters to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, while advising citizens to reject inducement and vote for competent leaders.

The council also advocated an independent and impartial judiciary to safeguard justice, law, and order, especially in resolving post-election disputes without political interference.

On health and education, the diocese called for increased funding, better welfare for workers, infrastructure upgrades, and sustained investment in technical and vocational education.

It commended the Federal Government’s policy shift toward skill acquisition and employability for graduates.

The council expressed delight over the growth of the Anglican Communion globally, commending the Church of Nigeria for its commitment to biblical orthodoxy, evangelism, and leadership within GAFCON.

Dignitaries at the event included the Bishop of Kaduna, Most Rev’d Timothy Yahaya; Bishop of Jos, Rt. Rev’d Ephraim Gongden.

Goodwill messages were received from the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, and others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen