PDP’s Unity, National Convention Now My Priority, Says Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his priority after the Appeal Court judgement is the unity of the People’s Democratic Party and preparation for its national convention.

He said that from the party’s impressive performance in the just-concluded FCT area council elections, it was clear that the party still has chances if it is united.

Wike spoke with journalists in Abuja yesterday after inspecting some ongoing projects, including the Appeal Court Complex in Dakibiyu, the 40 Judges’ Quarters in Katampe and the CN2 road network linking Katampe to Gishiri and Osex Main Carriageways.

The minister, who was impressed by the progress of the work, said the projects would be ready for inauguration during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Commenting on the way forward for the PDP and the party’s national convention scheduled for later this month, Wike stressed the need for unity and sincerity ahead of the internal elections.

He said, “Well, the first thing is to be united, and then you can talk about the next step. Everybody has said reconciliation. If indeed we are sincere and reconciled, obviously we have chances, but for me, the first thing now is to make sure the party is united and prepare for its convention.”

He drew on the party’s performance in the FCT during the last elections to underscore his belief in sincerity and hard work.

“And the whole thing is that you must not win the election. Look at what happened in FCT. Nobody gave us the chance. Out of 45 seats, we were able to gather 17.

And you know that Gwagwalada is an important local government area, and the PDP won there. So, for me, I believe in sincerity,” he said

On the party’s immediate future, Wike said, “Of course, we are going through our convention, which is the 29th and 30th of this month. So, after the convention, we will now talk about the next step, but obviously, the convention will hold.”

Speaking on the status of the various housing units being developed for judicial officers, the minister stated, “Well, I’m very impressed with what is on the ground. We went to the Appeal Court, Dakibiyu Division of the Abuja Division. They saw the level of work and the contractors said, by the grace of God, we’ll be handing over in May.”

He said in the Judges’ Quarters that different sections were designated for various levels of the judiciary.

“We went to the Judges’ Quarters. We inspected the Federal High Court section, which has been completed. Remember that the Federal High Court has 10 duplexes. The FCT High Court has 20 duplexes, and the Court of Appeal also has 10 duplexes. All these projects will be inaugurated during Mr President’s third year anniversary,” he said.

The minister also inspected the ring road at Katampe, where he praised the competence and reliability of the contracting firms handling the projects. He singled out CGC and CDC for special commendation.

“We also inspected the road at Katampe. It’s like a ring road. We are very impressed with the contractor, CDC, who would do so. Now, they were in Osex, the federal section of Osex, and the contractor has also promised that about four kilometres of asphalt will remain in the course.

“By the time they launch this bridge, they believe, obviously, that this is part of the project. I’m very much impressed with what CGC is doing. It’s one of those companies, when they give you their word, you can go to the bank with it,” he said.

When asked what drives his relentless commitment to project inspection and delivery, Wike attributed it to the confidence reposed in him by President Tinubu and the unwavering support from the presidency.

“For the President to have confidence in you, to give you an assignment that you have no choice but to be committed to the job, I mean, you can see why it is difficult for anybody to meet Mr President in FCT, it will be very, very difficult.

“You can see with your eyes, Sir. I’m very happy, and the motivation is that, Mr President, when your appointee gives you all the necessary support, he has given us enough. So, with that, why would you not be motivated?” he said.

Responding to inquiries about plans to develop new districts, including Waru Pozema, the minister said such developments would be considered in the context of future budgets.

“About the new districts, we have to find out from the FCDA or the STD coordinator what they have in mind about whether it’s in the 2026 budget. We will do everything we can to open up the districts so that people can move in,” he said.