Fubara’s Return Signals Renewed Political Unity Ahead Of 2027 – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that politics is not a sin as he formally welcomed Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, back into his political camp.

He said the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that produced him.

Wike, who spoke with journalists yesterday after inspecting ongoing road projects across the FCT, described Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation as a positive development that would strengthen political unity in Rivers State and boost support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Recalling an earlier prediction, the minister said the governor’s return vindicated his position that reconciliation was inevitable.

“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him.

“Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward,” Wike said.

Addressing questions on whether the reconciliation amounted to forgiveness after months of political hostilities, the minister dismissed the notion that political disagreements should be viewed as personal offences.

“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises he made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin.”

What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and make the right decision,” he stated.

He maintained that Fubara’s return would consolidate political support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

“He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election,” he added.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, Wike noted that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during activities marking his third anniversary in office.

“This road was flagged off during the third anniversary commissioning. We came here today to assess the progress made since the flag-off, and as you can see, the contractor moved to site immediately after the ceremony,” he said.

According to him, the contractor has assured the administration that the project would be ready for commissioning in December.

“I believe them. They are committed to handing over this project by December. We will be very happy because this road will open up the entire area for development,” he said.

The minister also inspected the long-delayed ISEX Road project, describing it as one of the last major inherited infrastructure projects awaiting completion in the FCT.

Awarded in 2014, the 10-kilometre road, complete with major interchanges, has remained unfinished through successive administrations.

Wike disclosed that the contractor had pledged to complete six kilometres of the road and critical interchanges before the end of the year, provided the required funds are released.

“We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the funds is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline,” he explained.

Describing the project as vital to Abuja’s development, the minister said discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue until the necessary funding is secured.

“This project is very important to us because it will significantly change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory,” he noted.

Wike further said the completion of the ISEX Road and the Apo-Karshi Road would fulfil one of the Tinubu administration’s key commitments, to complete inherited projects rather than abandon them.

“The Access (ISEX) Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by a previous administration to be completed. Once we achieve that, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise to complete projects inherited from previous administrations instead of allowing them to become abandoned,” he stated.

Reflecting on the state of infrastructure when the current administration assumed office in 2023, the minister said abandoned projects had become a common feature across the FCT, slowing development and depriving residents of critical infrastructure.

“The FCT is the nation’s capital, and having abandoned projects everywhere does not present a good image. When we assumed office in 2023, abandoned projects were scattered across the territory. That situation slowed development, delayed infrastructure delivery and affected communities,” he said.

He credited President Tinubu for directing that all inherited projects be completed to safeguard public investments.

“President Tinubu directed that all inherited projects should be completed to ensure that public funds already invested are not wasted. That directive has brought us to where we are today,” Wike said.

The minister stressed that continuity in governance, rather than the pursuit of personal legacy, remains the hallmark of responsible leadership.

“Leadership requires continuity. Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy,” he said.

While expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded by contractors, Wike noted that the government must now meet its financial obligations to ensure timely delivery of the projects.

“We are pleased with the progress the contractors are making. It is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so they can complete these projects on schedule,” he said.

The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects, many of which are expected to be commissioned before the end of the year as efforts continue to improve road connectivity, open up new districts and enhance mobility across Nigeria’s capital.