The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that his administration’s infrastructure projects and engagement with indigenous communities will strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
This was contained in a statement by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, shared on X on Tuesday.
Wike, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja, said his administration had taken governance closer to residents through infrastructure development, engagement with traditional rulers and consultations with stakeholders across the FCT.
“The minister disclosed that former senators, former members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen had recently come together in support of the administration, irrespective of their political affiliations,” the statement read.
Wike said the support reflected the impact of his administration’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,” he said.
The minister highlighted consultations with traditional rulers and other stakeholders, arguing that regular engagement with community leaders was an important aspect of governance.
He also said his administration had responded to security concerns raised by residents by constructing at least two police stations in each of the FCT’s six area councils.
Wike maintained that the government’s development agenda extended beyond central Abuja to communities on the outskirts of the capital.
He announced plans to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, including road projects linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.
The minister said the projects demonstrated his administration’s commitment to extending infrastructure development beyond the city centre.
Wike dismissed the suggestion that his political mobilisation in the FCT was aimed at securing only the minimum electoral threshold 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.
The minister also defended his administration’s handling of issues affecting indigenous communities, including traditional institutions and appointments.
He challenged critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to accommodate indigenous interests 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 relevant beneficiaries.
He also addressed complaints about water supply in Karu, where a journalist noted 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 make arrangements to connect individual properties.
He rejected the expectation that the government should extend direct connections to every household, arguing that the infrastructure provided a foundation for residents to access the supply.
The minister expressed confidence that his administration’s record in infrastructure development, security and community engagement would help mobilise support for Tinubu in 2027.