Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his mandate. Wike highlighted that the numerous infrastructure projects slated for commissioning in the FCT reflect the President's outstanding performance.
Speaking in Abuja, Wike disclosed that starting Monday, June 8, 2026, he would join the President in a project commissioning spree lasting at least 31 days. This event is scheduled to commemorate President Tinubu's third-year anniversary in office. The Minister emphasized that the projects, which include roads, social amenities, and buildings, will significantly impact the well-being of Nigerians. He expressed relief that most of these projects are located in satellite towns, ensuring that development is not concentrated solely in the city center.
Regarding the President's availability for the 31-day commissioning, Wike stated that the Ministry would be guided by the President's convenience. However, he noted that the remodeled Abuja City Gate will be unveiled by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, who suggested the idea. “The First Lady called and was asking how it looks like entering the city. The suggestions of well-meaning citizens help us ensure that the interest of the people are served. If you leave it to contractors, they could be focusing on their areas,” Wike said.
Wike also recounted a similar experience when a retired Chief Justice drew his attention to the poor condition of a road leading to Kuje. “Now if you go to Kuje, right from the Airport Road, you will marvel. So, we are not concentrating development projects in the city centres,” he added.
On the construction of residential quarters for Judicial staff, including Judges, Wike recalled his earlier efforts in Rivers State. He explained that he embarked on the reconstruction of the National Industrial Court in Port Harcourt to reduce hardship for litigants who had to travel to Bayelsa State for their cases. “Would you call that one inducement? I am no longer the governor, is that facility not serving Rivers people? Mine is to do what should be done instead of worrying about what people will say. It is all about service to the people,” he stated.
Wike also addressed political matters, revealing that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nominated Professor Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate. He dismissed attempts to drag former President Goodluck Jonathan into the 2027 presidential contest as the work of busybody politicians. Contrasting Onor's emergence with the no-show event organized by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led faction, Wike maintained that it is wrong to force anyone to contest an election against their will. He explained that the decision to prevent the Turaki faction from accessing their primary venue was to maintain peace and public order in the FCT, as a fracas or rival group invasion was possible.
When asked about advice for his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, regarding former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's search for a running mate, Wike declared that the issue is dead on arrival. He asserted that Nigerians have resolved to keep the Presidency in the South until 2031 through the rotation principle. Recalling his experience as a presidential aspirant in 2022, Wike said he knew from the start that the so-called coalition was a ballyhoo and a trap set by Atiku for other aspirants like Amaechi and Peter Obi. “If you are a politician, you should know what will or not work. Senator David Mark was the chairman of the Presidential primary, you saw what he did after campaigns ended by allowing Tambuwal to return and canvass for votes for Atiku? Then, there was Ben Obi. Do you know how close he is to Atiku? Ben Obi was following Peter Obi everywhere; by the time Peter Obi left, Sam Egwu joined him, but Ben Obi remained. ADC coalition was a set up and created to serve Atiku’s interest. Two presidential aspirants have come out to condemn the ADC presidential primary, describing it as fraudulent. We are vindicated,” he stated.
Wike disclosed that the Rainbow Coalition, comprising APC, PDP, and Labour Party in Rivers State, aims to foster a collegiate approach to governance. He said that by mid-August, the coalition will agree on a compromise governorship candidate. Rebuffing suggestions that he forced Governor Siminalayi Fubara to abandon his second-term ambition, Wike stated that Fubara remains a member of the Rainbow Coalition and that his trip abroad explains his absence from recent activities. Wike added that Fubara informed him of the trip, and all hands are on deck in Rivers State to ensure President Tinubu wins by a wide margin in the January 18, 2027 presidential poll. He assured that there would be no defection from the Rainbow Coalition by the next governor, as the collaboration is structured to protect all sectional and group interests.
