| Minister cites police stations, road projects, traditional rulers’ engagement as evidence of performance
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that infrastructure projects and engagement with indigenous communities will boost support for President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his administration’s performance in the territory will translate into electoral gains.
Wike, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, said his administration had taken governance closer to residents through infrastructure development, consultations with traditional rulers and engagement with stakeholders across the six area councils.
He argued that tangible results, rather than campaign promises, should form the basis of political support, adding that his administration had made efforts to address longstanding concerns among indigenous communities and other residents.
The minister disclosed that former senators, ex-members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen had recently united in support of the administration, irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to him, their decision reflected an appreciation of the government’s style of governance and its engagement with different sections of the FCT.
“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.
He highlighted his administration’s consultations with traditional rulers and community stakeholders, describing regular engagement with community leaders as a critical aspect of governance that previous administrations had not adequately prioritised.
On security, Wike said his administration had responded to residents’ concerns by constructing at least two police stations in each of the FCT’s six area councils.
He maintained that the government’s development agenda was not limited to central Abuja but also covered communities on the outskirts of the capital.
The minister 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 underscored his administration’s determination to extend infrastructure development beyond the city centre and improve connectivity across the territory.
Wike also dismissed suggestions that his political mobilisation in the FCT was aimed at securing only the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes for Tinubu.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s projects and engagement with residents had helped communicate its achievements directly to the electorate, while acknowledging that the ultimate outcome would be determined through the democratic process.
The minister also defended his handling of issues affecting indigenous communities, particularly traditional institutions and appointments.
He challenged critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to accommodate the interests of FCT indigenes through appointments and other measures.
On the elevation of traditional rulers and the presentation of staff of office, Wike said arrangements were being made to present certificates to the beneficiaries.
He also addressed complaints about water supply in Karu, following a journalist’s observation that residents were yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project.
Wike 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 already provided a foundation for residents to access the water supply.
The minister maintained that his administration’s record in infrastructure development, security and community engagement would be central to its efforts to secure public support for Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.