Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned Nigerians against falling for opposition propaganda ahead of the 2027 elections, while highlighting the transformative achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Saint James Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, the minister cautioned religious leaders against repeating what he called their “worst mistake” in the 2023 elections.
“The church almost made the worst mistake in 2023. Some of us wouldn’t be here today if things had gone differently in 2023. Nigerians must be very careful this time around. Don’t allow propaganda to deceive you,” he said.
Also speaking on Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Wike questioned his record as Anambra State governor.
“Some of you don’t know somebody, you just act with emotion. For 8 years, he was governor. He never conducted local government election. Never. That time Nigerians were not angry, they were happy that you refused to conduct local government elections in 8 good years you were governor.
“That one you defined it as democracy. Government of all the local government, and none of you ask any question? Now they go back to say, “democracy is not working”. But it worked under your own when you stayed alone to be chairman of local governments and governor, only one man.
“The time has passed. They will not have the opportunity again. You say you formed coalition for 18 months, which means the president was in office for six months when you started forming a coalition. They cannot stay out of power. Unfortunately, they have stayed out, and they will not come back,” he said.
While acknowledging current economic challenges, Wike insisted the administration was making tough but necessary decisions to revive what he called a dead economy.
“The country was ran down. It takes hard decisions to fix it. We can’t expect miracles in two years. Look at states now receiving N50 billion monthly – some of us got just N14 billion as governors. That’s the difference this administration has made,” he said.
Wike also dismissed opposition figures as failed leaders who only remember Nigeria’s problems after losing power.
“People had eight years, twenty years in government but did nothing. When they were in office, Nigerians weren’t ‘angry.’ It’s only now they’re out that they claim Nigerians are suffering.
“Ask them: When you had the chance, what did you do? Someone was Senate President for eight years but couldn’t build a road to his local government. Another was Speaker for eight years, minister for eight years, yet they now claim they want to ‘rescue Nigeria.’ Rescue your stomach, not Nigeria!” he said.
The minister further outlined key achievements in the nation’s capital, crediting Tinubu’s political will for, which includes establishing FCT Civil Service Structure.
“People forget. The FCT never had permanent secretaries before. Never! They were always posted from federal service. Today, our civil servants can aspire to become permanent secretaries.
“Before now, it was difficult to access funds. Mr. President pulled us out of the TSA that was stagnating development. Now we deliver projects left, right and center,” he said.
Wike also spoke about the poor management of the International Conference Centre (ICC) under previous administrations with current success:
“They were paying just N50 million yearly to government. We shut it down as an eyesore. After renovation? N700 million in three weeks! The same people now want to ‘rescue Nigeria.’ Rescue from what?” he said.
The minister promised more visible transformations in the FCT within twelve months.
“If the President wasn’t committed, I wouldn’t get funds. I assure you, in the next one year, you’ll see what will happen in Abuja,” he said.
Wike appealed to the church to pray for President Bola Tinubu. “Forget those who lost their chance to fix Nigeria. They won’t get another opportunity.”
