The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress will secure stronger electoral support in the FCT during the 2027 general elections, attributing the expectation to the administration’s ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while inspecting several projects lined up for inauguration as part of activities commemorating Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
The minister said residents were beginning to witness tangible improvements in governance, particularly in rural communities and satellite towns that had long been neglected in terms of infrastructure.
“What the people want is simple. They want to feel the impact of governance. It is not about magic. Nigerians are interested in good governance, infrastructure, electricity and improved living conditions,” he said.
Speaking on the possible political impact of the projects ahead of the 2027 polls, Wike argued that the APC’s showing in the recent Area Council elections suggested increasing public support for the administration.
The minister pointed out, “What reason would people have not to vote for Mr President now? How many governments before now have been able to impact satellite towns the way this administration is?
“This is the first time people are seeing development extend beyond the city centre into the satellite towns.”
Wike referenced the commissioning of the A2-Pai Road in Kwali, noting that it demonstrated the administration’s commitment to rural development. He added that it was the first occasion a sitting president had visited the area to inaugurate a project.
The FCT minister also challenged opposition politicians and coalition members to tour the territory and inspect the projects being carried out under the current administration.
“I think it will be interesting for the public to see governance in action. I wonder where the opposition or coalition members are. They should come and see what is happening in the FCT,” he added.
According to Wike, no fewer than 20 projects are expected to be commissioned during the anniversary celebrations, with the possibility of additional projects being included as work progresses.
“I said not less than 20 projects, but it may even be more than 20 because I did not include the water projects at Bwari and Karu. There are also projects in the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari Area Councils,” Wike said.
Among the projects highlighted by the minister were the Gomani-Yangoji and Kuje-Gwagwalada road projects, which he described as part of efforts to spread development beyond central Abuja.
During the inspection exercise, Wike visited the rehabilitated Appeal Court Complex in Dakibiyu, the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, internal road networks in Katampe District, and the relocation site for traders from the Apo Mechanic Village.
He disclosed that work at the Dakibiyu Appeal Court Complex had reached about 70 per cent completion, with contractors currently handling finishing works such as painting and polishing.
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At the Judges’ Quarters, the minister assessed residential buildings designated for judges of the Court of Appeal, the FCT High Court, and the Federal High Court, describing the development as close to completion.
Wike also inspected proposed housing projects for judges of the Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, while commending contractors for the pace of work.
The minister further toured ongoing construction along Collector Road, where walkways and streetlights are nearing completion, in addition to projects in Gaduwa and Kabusa involving bridge construction, road markings, and installation of streetlights.
At the relocation site being developed by CGC for traders from the Apo Mechanic Village, Wike said major infrastructure such as roads and streetlights had already been completed, while work on water supply and security facilities would begin soon.
“At the informal sector site where Apo Mechanic Village traders will be relocated to, the roads and streetlights are already completed.
“What is remaining now is the water connection. I also came with security officials so they can commence work on the police station and police residential quarters,” he said.
Responding to concerns about the administration’s emphasis on judicial infrastructure, the minister insisted that all sectors within the FCT were receiving attention.
He stated that the projects reflected a broad development strategy focused on improving living standards in both urban centres and rural communities across the Federal Capital Territory.