Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has disclosed that he regularly asks his wife to pray for President Bola Tinubu's continued support, describing the president's backing as critical to his ability to deliver projects for Abuja residents.
Wike reveals reliance on wife's prayers for Tinubu's support
Speaking on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the inauguration of the Water Supply Network to Bwari Satellite Town in Bwari Area Council, Wike offered a candid glimpse into his household routine. He said his wife carries the spiritual burden he admits he struggles to bear himself.
"Each day I wake up, I tell my wife — she prays a lot, I don't know how to pray very well. The only best prayer I can pray is: 'God, let me come back safely today.' But she prays very well. I say, 'Continue to pray that Mr President will not look away from us,'" Wike stated.
50th project commissioning marks milestone for FCT Administration
The event marked the 50th official project commissioned by the FCT Administration under Wike's watch. He noted that no minister could perform effectively without presidential support.
"I've said to so many people, I was a governor, and I was a minister before. You can be a minister… You see, if you don't have that support, it is difficult for you to perform. You must have that support," Wike said, as reported by The Punch.
He credited Tinubu's support for enabling the administration's project delivery record and pledged that the FCT would not squander the goodwill extended to it.
"Mr President has given FCT all the support required to change the narratives. And that's why we, on our own part, say we will not disappoint Mr President," he added.
10 more projects before campaign season
Wike also announced that the administration intends to commission an additional 10 projects before January 2027, ahead of what he described as the campaign season.
"This is the 50th commissioning of the project. So, I'm talking about official commissioning. I'm not talking about the unofficial ones. And before January next year, God willing, we'll commission another 10 projects before we go for campaigns," Wike said.
The minister used the occasion to reflect on what he considers the core purpose of governance, arguing that public happiness and leadership satisfaction are directly linked.
"When people are happy, those in authority will be happy. But when people are not happy, those in authority are bound not to be happy. After all, what is governance? Governance is to make people happy, to make changes in their lives, and to make it better. And that's what Asiwaju Tinubu is doing," he stated.
Background: Wike, Tinubu's allies clash over agency seat
Recall that Dr. Dakorinama Alabo George, replaced as BCDA Executive Secretary by President Tinubu, refused to vacate the office and continued holding official engagements weeks after his replacement was announced. The Presidency confirmed that Abdulrazak Sa'ad Namdas remains the new BCDA Director General, flatly rejecting social media claims that George had been reappointed. George met with the Finance Minister last Thursday to discuss budget releases for the agency, even as his profile continued to appear on the BCDA website as its serving head.
Wike mentions his actual haters in Abuja
Meanwhile, Wike also revealed that his refusal to approve foreign conference trips has cost him goodwill among civil servants. He said he rejected a N20 million request to fund a week-long trip to America for a land administration conference. The minister disclosed that his administration now directs 70% of the FCT budget to capital projects, reversing a former recurrent-heavy structure.
