The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that infrastructure projects and community engagement in Abuja will boost support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Wike spoke on Tuesday during a media parley in Abuja, where he cited road construction, security infrastructure and consultations with traditional rulers as evidence of his administration’s performance.
The minister argued that residents should judge the government by its achievements rather than campaign promises, insisting that the impact of projects across the FCT would translate into electoral support for Tinubu.
He disclosed that former senators, ex-members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen had recently rallied behind his administration, despite their different political affiliations.
According to him, their support reflects confidence in the government’s approach to governance in the territory.
“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.
The minister also dismissed suggestions that he was targeting only the minimum electoral requirement for Tinubu to secure votes in the FCT.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
Wike maintained that his political mobilisation was based on the administration’s record and engagement with residents, although the final outcome would be determined through the electoral process.
On security, the minister said his administration had constructed at least two police stations in each of the FCT’s six area councils in response to concerns raised by residents.
He added that the government’s development agenda was not limited to central Abuja but extended to communities on the outskirts of the capital.
Wike further announced plans to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, including road projects linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.
He said the projects were part of efforts to extend infrastructure development to areas outside the city centre.
The minister also defended his administration’s handling of issues affecting indigenous communities, including traditional institutions and appointments.
He said the government had engaged traditional rulers and other stakeholders more consistently, arguing that such consultations were essential to addressing longstanding concerns among indigenous residents.
On the presentation of staff of office and certificates to traditional rulers, Wike said arrangements were being made for the exercise.
He also responded to complaints about water supply in Karu, where residents were reportedly yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project.
The minister explained that the government had provided the main infrastructure and access points, but residents would need to arrange connections to their individual properties.
He rejected calls for the government to extend direct connections to every household, arguing that the infrastructure provided a basis for residents to access the water supply.
Wike maintained that his administration’s record on infrastructure, security and community engagement would be central to efforts to secure public support for Tinubu in the 2027 election.
