The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains politically dominant in Abuja ahead of the 2027 elections, citing widespread infrastructure development and growing public support across the territory.
Wike made the assertion on Wednesday while addressing residents during an inspection of ongoing road projects linking Bwari and Kubwa, as well as other satellite communities in the FCT.
According to the minister, the scale of transformation under the Tinubu administration has significantly improved living conditions, making it difficult for any opposition to secure victory in the territory.
“It is very difficult for anybody to win an election in the FCT against Mr. President,” Wike said. “Because to them, it is surprising what they have seen in their lives.”
He urged residents to continue supporting the President, stressing that the administration’s priority is to improve the welfare of citizens across both urban and rural areas.
“Mr. President’s interest is for the people to be happy. Continue to support him and pray for him,” he added.
Wike noted that the government had deliberately shifted focus to satellite towns to address what he described as years of over-concentration of development in the city centre.
“We were told clearly that there is over-concentration of development in the city, and we must go to the satellite towns,” he said. “These communities are part of Abuja, and their lives must also change.”
The minister, who inspected key road projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi, and the Bwari-Kubwa corridor, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that many of the benefiting communities were witnessing such infrastructure for the first time.
“When I went to these areas, you could see that people had never witnessed this kind of infrastructure before. Now, economic activities will improve, and their lives will change,” he said.
He added that improved road networks would significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between satellite towns and the city centre.
“People can now live in places like Kuje and get to work in the city within 25 minutes. That is the kind of impact we are talking about,” Wike stated.
The minister also revealed that several of the projects would be completed and commissioned as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s upcoming anniversary in office.
On concerns over the activities of real estate developers, Wike dismissed calls for the creation of a new regulatory agency, insisting that existing institutions are sufficient to address the challenges.
“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” he said.
He explained that the Department of Development Control already has the mandate to regulate physical planning and enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
“What is important is to strengthen existing structures. The FCT Administration can handle complaints and ensure that developers do not exploit innocent citizens,” he added.
Wike assured residents that the government would continue to act decisively on reported cases of malpractice, including ensuring refunds where necessary.
“If there are complaints, we know what to do. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
Calling for unity, the minister emphasised the need for collective support in driving national development, particularly in the area of security.
“This is a period for everyone to work together and support the government. The focus is on improving Nigeria, particularly in the area of security,” he said.
He expressed optimism that ongoing interventions would further boost economic growth and improve living standards across the FCT, concluding with a goodwill message to Muslim faithful.
“I wish everyone a happy Ramadan,” Wike added.
