Wike Links FCT Projects, Community Engagement To Tinubu’s Re-Election Support

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that infrastructure development and engagement with indigenous communities will influence support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Wike spoke during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, where he defended his administration’s record on infrastructure, security and relations with traditional institutions, arguing that its performance in the territory would shape voters’ decisions.

The minister disclosed that former senators, ex-members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen had recently rallied behind the administration, irrespective of their political affiliations.

He said their decision reflected support for the government’s approach to governance in the FCT rather than the individual candidates seeking elective offices.

“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.

He identified consultations with traditional rulers and other community stakeholders as part of his administration’s approach, arguing that regular engagement had helped address concerns that had persisted among indigenous communities and other residents.

On security, Wike said his administration had constructed at least two police stations in each of the FCT’s six area councils in response to concerns raised by residents.

He maintained that infrastructure development was not restricted to central Abuja, adding that projects were being extended to satellite towns and communities on the outskirts of the city.

The minister also announced plans to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, including road projects linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.

Wike dismissed suggestions that his political mobilisation efforts in the FCT were aimed at securing only the minimum electoral threshold for Tinubu, expressing confidence that the administration’s activities had strengthened its support base.

“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.

He also defended his administration’s handling of issues affecting indigenous communities, including traditional institutions and appointments, challenging critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to accommodate indigenous interests.

On the presentation of certificates and staff of office to traditional rulers, Wike said arrangements were being made to present the relevant documents to the beneficiaries.

The minister also responded to concerns about water supply in Karu, where a journalist said residents were yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project.

Wike explained that the government had provided the main infrastructure and access points, but said connections to individual properties would require further arrangements by residents.

He rejected calls for the government to extend direct connections to every household, maintaining that the infrastructure provided a basis for residents to access the water supply.

Wike said his administration’s record on infrastructure, security and community engagement would be central to its appeal to voters, although the outcome of the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by the electorate.