…Minister points to infrastructure, security projects, traditional rulers’ engagement as evidence of performance
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the infrastructure projects and other initiatives undertaken by his administration will translate into strong electoral support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Wike said the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had taken governance beyond Abuja’s city centre through road construction, security infrastructure, engagement with traditional rulers and consultations with indigenous communities and other stakeholders.
The minister spoke on Tuesday at a media parley in Abuja, where he argued that the administration’s performance in the FCT would be a major factor in determining how residents vote in 2027.
According to him, political support should be earned through visible development and effective governance rather than campaign promises.
Wike said the administration’s approach had also attracted the support of political actors across party lines, including former senators, former members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen.
He said the recent gathering of the political leaders was not primarily about individual candidates but recognition of the administration’s governance style and its engagement with residents.
> “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 highlighted his administration’s engagement with traditional rulers and other community leaders, saying such consultations had helped address longstanding concerns among indigenous communities.
He said the FCTA had also responded to security concerns across the territory, disclosing that at least two police stations were being constructed in each of the six area councils.
Wike maintained that the administration’s development agenda was not restricted to the city centre but extended to satellite towns and communities on the outskirts of Abuja.
He disclosed that at least 10 projects would be commissioned before the end of December, citing road projects linking areas including Karshi and Kubwa.
According to him, the projects were part of efforts to expand infrastructure and improve connectivity across the territory.
Wike also dismissed suggestions that his political mobilisation in the FCT was targeted at securing only the constitutional minimum of 25 per cent of votes.
> “How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
The minister expressed confidence that the administration’s projects and engagement with residents had helped communicate its achievements directly to the people, while acknowledging that the ultimate decision would be made by voters at the polls.
On concerns over the interests of FCT indigenous communities, Wike defended his administration’s record on traditional institutions, appointments and other measures aimed at accommodating indigenous interests.
He challenged critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to address the concerns of indigenous communities through appointments and other initiatives.
Wike also said arrangements were underway for the presentation of certificates and staff of office to relevant traditional rulers following their elevation.
Responding to complaints about water supply in Karu, where residents were reportedly yet to benefit from a commissioned water project, the minister said the government had provided the major infrastructure and access points.
He explained that individual property owners would have to make arrangements for connections from the available infrastructure to their homes.
Wike rejected calls for the government to directly connect every household, stressing that the infrastructure provided was intended to create the foundation for residents to access the water supply.
The minister maintained that the administration’s record in infrastructure, security and engagement with communities would ultimately shape public perception and support ahead of the 2027 elections.