The All Progressives Congress (APC) said the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has the constitutional right to campaign for any candidate of his choice in the February 21 FCT Area Council elections.

The party said this in an interview on television on Monday.

The FCT Area Council polls were held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with elections conducted across six councils for chairmanship and councillorship positions.

Results indicated that the APC won the majority of chairmanship seats in the territory.

Mr. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has been active in the FCT in recent days, including visiting various parts of the territory during the election exercise. His involvement drew attention from political parties and observers.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, addressed the role of Mr. Wike in the FCT polls.

Morka said Mr. Wike’s actions in supporting candidates were within his constitutional rights as a citizen.

Morka stated that as a Nigerian, Mr. Wike has the freedom guaranteed by the constitution to support any candidate, irrespective of party affiliation.

He said this applies even if the minister chooses to campaign for candidates from a specific party.

The remarks came amid public attention on Mr. Wike’s visible engagement with candidates in the APC, including instances where some candidates from other parties withdrew and endorsed APC contenders ahead of the elections.

In the television interview, Mr. Morka said, “If Nyesom Wike wants to go on campaigning for any candidate in any party whatsoever, he has the inherent liberty to do so.

Wike is a citizen of the Federal Capital Republic of Nigeria who also has freedom guaranteed by the constitution. He has the right to support any candidate he wants.”

The APC’s position underscores its defence of Mr. Wike’s political activities in the FCT amid scrutiny from opposition parties and public commentary.

The matter forms part of wider debate over political conduct and freedom of association in Nigeria’s electoral processes.

The right to campaign for political candidates is embedded in Nigeria’s constitutional framework, which provides citizens the freedom to associate, express political opinions and support candidates of their choice. This has relevance for public office holders and private citizens alike.