Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday took a swipe at opposition political parties over controversies surrounding their congresses and primary elections, saying the internal crises have exposed the contradictions in their claims of offering Nigerians a credible democratic alternative.
Wike Criticizes Opposition Parties
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said recent disputes that trailed primary elections and congresses in some opposition parties had revealed that many of the challenges they often accuse established political parties of perpetuating also exist within their own ranks. According to him, political groups that projected themselves as the new face of democracy are now grappling with allegations of irregularities, manipulation and protests by dissatisfied aspirants and party members.
“They told Nigerians they were the new face of democracy and the alternative platform for change. But what we have seen is that even within their own structures, there are allegations of irregularities and protests over congresses and primaries,” he said.
The minister argued that the developments should encourage Nigerians to assess political actors based on their actions rather than campaign rhetoric, insisting that managing political parties in the country requires practical experience and a deep understanding of Nigeria’s political realities. “My assessment is that the parties that have been tested over time understand the complexities of Nigeria’s political culture and democratic process,” he added.
Wike also dismissed suggestions that some of the country’s major political parties had become irrelevant, maintaining that political relevance is determined by performance, internal cohesion and public support. The former governor of Rivers State said political leaders should focus on strengthening democratic institutions and deepening internal party democracy instead of engaging in propaganda aimed at discrediting opponents. The minister’s remarks come amid heightened political activities and realignments across party lines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
FCT Infrastructure and Security Improvements
On governance, Wike said the FCT Administration’s investments in roads and water infrastructure across satellite towns and rural communities have significantly reduced insecurity while improving access to farmlands. He explained that the administration adopted a community-driven approach by consulting traditional rulers, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to identify critical infrastructure needs in rural areas. According to him, residents consistently identified poor road networks as a major factor contributing to insecurity because security agencies were often unable to pursue criminal elements through difficult terrain.
“What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders including the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders. They told us that most of the roads were not passable and that security operatives could not effectively respond to attacks because of the condition of the roads. We built the roads they nominated themselves,” he said.
Wike noted that the intervention has yielded positive results, particularly in Kuje Area Council, where several strategic roads requested by residents have been completed. “Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmlands,” he stated.
The minister stressed that unlike previous administrations that announced policies without implementation, the current FCT Administration has focused on delivering visible projects that directly impact residents. He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would, as part of activities marking the administration’s anniversary, commission several road and water projects across satellite towns and rural communities. Among the projects are water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada and Dobi aimed at expanding access to potable water in underserved communities.
“We cannot concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure,” Wike said.
The minister further listed major road projects completed or nearing completion, including the A2-Pai road, the Bwari-Kubwa corridor, roads in Dei-Dei and sections of the A3 highway. He added that work is progressing on the Abuja airport corridor and the Zuba-Airport link road, which is expected to ease traffic congestion by providing motorists with an alternative route that bypasses the city centre.
Plans for Abuja Master Plan Review and Law School Facilities
Wike also announced plans to review the Abuja Master Plan in collaboration with the original Japanese designers of the city, noting that discussions are scheduled to commence in July. “The world has changed. The world is different. You have to conform with current realities,” he said.
The minister urged residents and the media to embrace constructive engagement with government by offering practical suggestions that could improve governance and service delivery. He also revealed that the FCT Administration is constructing additional hostel accommodation and a new auditorium at the Nigerian Law School to address accommodation shortages and improve learning facilities for students.
