2027 Politics Won’t Slow Infrastructure Drive In FCT – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that preparations for the 2027 general elections will not distract his administration from delivering critical infrastructure projects across Abuja, insisting that the government’s achievements remain its strongest campaign message.

After inspecting ongoing road projects in the nation’s capital yesterday, Wike said the Administration would remain focused on governance, stressing that visible development across the nation’s capital had become the best advertisement for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done,” he said.

Wike maintained that politics and governance would not clash under his leadership, adding that the administration’s record of completed and ongoing projects would speak for itself when Nigerians head to the polls.

“All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made promises and kept them. People want to see your report card, not empty rhetoric. As far as the FCT is concerned, we have shown our report card, and we have no problem winning any election whenever INEC fixes it,” he stated.

The minister inspected the construction of the Arterial Road N16, stretching from Ring Road II to Ring Road III and linking Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana. The project is being executed by CBC Global.

He also visited the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki–Zuba Road connecting the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, which is being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work on the Arterial Road N16 project, Wike disclosed that the contractor had assured the FCT Administration of completing the road by January.

“The road is very critical. If they deliver it by January as promised, I will be highly impressed. On our part, we will ensure adequate funding because once this road is completed, the entire Gwarimpa axis will be opened up,” he said.

On the Tunga Madaki–Zuba Road project, the minister commended CCECC for maintaining its reputation for timely delivery, revealing that the contractor had pledged to complete the project by December.

“I am very impressed with what they are doing. The promises we made during the flag-off and commissioning of these projects are likely to be fulfilled. Despite the rains slowing earthworks, they have concentrated on drainage construction, which is progressing well,” Wike said.

He further disclosed that he had approved the relocation of electricity poles along the road corridor to facilitate the installation of streetlights upon completion of the project.

The minister also praised Chinese construction firms handling major projects in the FCT for their professionalism and commitment, noting that many of them commence work without waiting for mobilisation payments because of their confidence in the government’s ability to honour contractual obligations.

“What gives us happiness with these companies, particularly the Chinese companies, is that they don’t wait for mobilisation before starting work.

“They know the government will pay, and funding has not been a problem. As soon as I return to the office, I will ensure that funds are made available so we can achieve what we have promised,” he said.

Wike urged the contractors to sustain the quality and pace of execution that have characterised ongoing infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

The inspection forms part of the FCT Administration’s routine assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring timely completion of roads and other critical public facilities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.