Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that he will personally head the campaign structure for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in both the FCT and Rivers State, asserting that supporters from various political platforms are prepared to launch an aggressive campaign. Wike made this declaration on Friday in Chikuku, a community along the Kuje-Gwagwalada corridor in Abuja, during an inspection of Phase Two of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualisation project.
Wike's Campaign Plans for 2027
Speaking to journalists and residents at the inspection site, Wike expressed confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its readiness for the upcoming election. He stated, "The ruling All Progressives Congress APC, I believe, is putting itself together for an aggressive campaign. For us who are supporting Mr President from different political platforms, we have put our machinery ready to fully kickstart. Very soon, I will inaugurate the campaign team for Tinubu in the FCT and Rivers State, which I will lead. All elements of the APC are ready, Mr President is ready, we are ready, and you can see the enthusiasm."
The minister's remarks come amid growing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Wike positioning himself as a key ally of the president in the nation's capital and his home state of Rivers.
Infrastructure as a Political Asset
Wike dismissed concerns raised by political opponents about potential electoral irregularities, arguing that the administration's visible development projects across the FCT make such complaints baseless. He said, "People are happy, and I don't know who will contest against Mr President as far as this election is concerned. This is governance, and this is what people expect. It will translate directly into actual votes."
The minister further asserted that the FCT's infrastructure delivery record would bolster victories not only for Tinubu but also for Senator Philip Aduda and candidates vying for the territory's two House of Representatives seats. "It is very obvious. Nobody will be able to claim rigging in the FCT. The 'rigging' is the projects we are delivering, making the people happy," he added.
Wike's comments underscore his strategy of using tangible development as a campaign tool, a approach he has consistently promoted since assuming office as FCT minister.
Kuje-Gwagwalada Road Project Timeline
Addressing the ongoing road project, Wike noted it was his first visit to that stretch and highlighted the area's dense population, which makes the infrastructure delivery more urgent. He assured residents that sufficient funds would be released to ensure the project is completed by December 2026. "You can imagine the enthusiasm and happiness on the faces of the people. That is why we say the essence of governance is to make people happy. When the people are happy, those in authority are happy," he said.
Wike also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support of capital projects in the FCT, emphasizing the administration's commitment to improving living conditions in the territory.
Political Context and Previous Reports
In related developments, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal had earlier stated that governors of the APC would address issues surrounding Wike with President Tinubu upon his return from France. Lawal made these remarks on Thursday, September 24, during an interview with Channels Television's Inside Sources program, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. This indicates ongoing discussions within the party regarding Wike's role and influence as the 2027 elections approach.
As the political landscape evolves, Wike's announcement signals a proactive effort to consolidate support for Tinubu in key regions, with infrastructure projects serving as a central pillar of the campaign narrative.
