The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress would record improved electoral performance in the FCT during the 2027 general elections, citing ongoing infrastructural development across the territory.
Wike spoke after inspecting several projects scheduled for commissioning as part of activities marking Tinubu’s second year in office.
According to the minister, residents of the FCT were beginning to appreciate what he described as the visible impact of governance, particularly in satellite towns and rural communities that had previously lacked basic 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.
Responding to questions on whether the ongoing projects could influence voting patterns ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike said the APC’s performance in the recent Area Council elections reflected growing 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.”
The former Rivers State governor cited the commissioning of the A2-Pai Road in Kwali as evidence of the administration’s efforts to bring development to rural communities, noting that it marked the first time a sitting president visited the area to inaugurate a project.
Wike also challenged opposition figures to visit the FCT and assess the projects being executed by the 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.
The minister disclosed that at least 20 projects would be inaugurated during the anniversary celebrations, although the number could increase as more projects near completion.
“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.
He listed road projects, such as the Gomani-Yangoji and Kuje-Gwagwalada roads, as ongoing interventions aimed at expanding development beyond the city centre.
The inspection tour covered the rehabilitation of the Appeal Court Complex in Dakibiyu, the construction of Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, internal roads in Katampe District, and the relocation site for the Apo Mechanic Village.
Wike said work at the Dakibiyu Appeal Court Complex was about 70 per cent complete, with contractors applying finishing touches, including painting and polishing.
At the Judges’ Quarters, he inspected residences built for judges of the Court of Appeal, the FCT High Court and the Federal High Court, describing the project as nearing completion.
He also visited proposed residential quarters for judges of the Industrial Court and members of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, commending the pace of work at the sites.
The minister further inspected ongoing projects on Collector Road, where walkways and streetlights are nearing completion, as well as projects in Gaduwa and Kabusa, where road markings, streetlight installations, and bridge works are progressing.
At the Apo informal sector relocation site being developed by CGC for traders from the Apo Mechanic Village, Wike said road and streetlight installations had already been completed, while work on water supply and security facilities would commence shortly.
“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.
Addressing concerns over the administration’s focus on judicial infrastructure, the minister maintained that support was being extended to all sectors of the FCT.
Wike added that the ongoing projects reflected an inclusive development agenda aimed at improving living conditions across both urban and rural parts of the Federal Capital Territory.