By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress APC would perform better in the territory in the 2027 elections, citing increased grassroots acceptance and visible enjoyment of government infrastructural projects across the territory.
Wike spoke after inspecting six projects being prepared for commissioning ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, saying residents were beginning to respond positively to what he described as visible governance — particularly the extension of infrastructure to satellite towns and rural communities that had long been left behind.
“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.
The minister disclosed that no fewer than 20 projects would be ready for inauguration at the anniversary, adding that the figure could rise as some projects were still being finalized.
“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 AMAC and Bwari Area Councils,” Wike said, listing additional road projects including the Gomani to Yangoji and Kuje to Gwagwalada roads as part of what he described as a new phase of development in the FCT.
“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.
Tuesday’s inspection covered the Appeal Court Complex rehabilitation in Dakibiyu, the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Katampe district internal roads, and the new relocation site for the Apo Mechanic Village, among others.
Wike said work at the Dakibiyu site was approximately 70 per cent complete, with contractors on the finishing touches including painting and court polishing.
At the Judges’ Quarters, he inspected residences built for Court of Appeal judges, FCT High Court judges and Federal High Court judges, describing them as almost fully completed. He also visited a site earmarked for the Industrial Court residences and Code of Conduct Tribunal quarters, commending what he called “quite impressive” early progress.
On Collector Road, walkways and streetlights were nearing completion, while in Gaduwa, road markings and streetlight installation were in progress. In Kabusa, the bridge had been completed and the final wearing course on the roads was nearly done.
At the Apo informal sector site — also handled by contractor CGC and designated for the relocation of the Apo Mechanic Village — roads and streetlights had already been completed.
Wike said security officials accompanying the inspection team were directed to commence work on a police station and residential quarters for officers at the same location.
“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 water connection. I also came with security officials so they can commence work on the police station and police residential quarters,” he said.
On whether the wave of projects could shift voting patterns in Abuja ahead of 2027 — given that President Tinubu polled below 25 per cent in the FCT during the 2023 presidential election — Wike pointed to the ruling party’s showing at the recent Area Council elections as an early indicator of changing sentiment, saying the APC had won in places it had never previously carried.
“What reason would people have not to vote for Mr President now? How many governments before now have been able to impact the satellite towns the way this administration is doing? This is the first time people are seeing development extend beyond the city centre into the satellite towns,” he said.
He cited the commissioning of the A2 to Pai Road in Kwali as evidence of the administration’s reach into previously neglected communities, describing it as the first time a sitting President had visited such a rural area for a commissioning ceremony.
Asked about the concentrated attention on judicial infrastructure, Wike dismissed claims of preferential treatment, insisting that every sector was receiving government support.
“For the judiciary to be independent, you must provide the necessary infrastructure, welfare and working conditions. It is not only about the judiciary. We are also providing water, schools and other basic needs for Nigerians,” he said.
He maintained that the spread of projects across the FCT reflected a genuinely inclusive development agenda, one he said was now delivering for rural and satellite communities that had gone without such attention for decades.
Article 2027: Wike confident of Tinubu’s win in FCT, slates 20 projects for commissioning Live On NgGossips.
