The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has once again defended his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while maintaining his membership in the People’s Democratic Party, asserting that his primary commitment is the success of the current administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Speaking during a live media parley in Abuja yesterday, the Minister addressed the fallout from the recent Area Council elections where the All Progressives Congress secured five out of six seats.
Wike dismissed allegations of anti-party activity, explaining that the People’s Democratic Party’s failure was a direct result of poor preparation and internal coordination rather than his own influence.
He added that the PDP’s loss was a result of a failure to learn from past mistakes, stating that “if you don’t read, you can’t pass.”
The Minister also took the opportunity to clarify the controversial movement restrictions imposed during the polls, which critics had characterized as an unnecessary lockdown.
Wike stated that the restrictions were approved by the President as a proactive security measure to prevent the influx of potential troublemakers from neighboring states like Kaduna, Niger, and Kogi.
He emphasized that the decision from 8:00 p.m. on the eve of the election until 6:00 p.m. on election day was based on credible intelligence aimed at ensuring a peaceful voting process for the residents of the FCT.
On the developmental front, Wike highlighted a shift in governance focus toward satellite towns to ensure that the impact of the administration is felt beyond the city center.
He pointed to major infrastructure achievements in areas such as Kabusa, Karu, and Wasa, while confirming that a significant water project for these outlying communities including the Bwari and Karu water supply expansions is nearing its commissioning phase.
Regarding the Jabi Lake area, the Minister revealed that new development agreements were finalized in February with strict performance clauses to prevent land speculation and ensure the area is transformed into a world-class tourism hub.
Addressing the political climate in Rivers State, Wike maintained that the intervention of President Tinubu has brought about necessary stability, though he remained evasive about specific gubernatorial ambitions for 2027.
He insisted that his current priority is to deliver on his mandate in the FCT, urging critics to judge his tenure by the report card of completed projects and civil service reforms.
He concluded by stating that the visible transformation of Abuja, including the upcoming Light Up Abuja solar projects and the full-scope development of Arterial Road N1, would eventually silence his detractors as the administration approaches its third anniversary.
