Wike Warns Against ‘Deceitful’ Politicians, Pledges More Projects In Abaji

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised to execute critical infrastructure projects in Abaji area council, describing the council’s overwhelming support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent FCT area council elections as a demonstration of the people’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to Abaji on Wednesday, Wike also launched a veiled attack on opposition politicians, cautioning residents against being swayed by what he termed “deceitful” tactics ahead of future elections.

The minister, who was in the council to appreciate voters for delivering 133 out of 135 polling units to the APC in the February 21, 2026 election, said the visit was borne out of gratitude and a commitment to good governance.

“In life, when someone has done good to you, it is very important for you to go back to say thank you. And so we are not taking your support for granted. We must have to appreciate what it takes for people to keep to their words,” Wike said.

He commended the Chairman of Abaji area council for his humility and dedication to the people, promising that such leadership qualities would attract development to the area.

“You have fulfilled your own promise. You came out in your numbers. Out of 135 polling units, you gave to Mr. President 133 polling units. What else can we say but to tell you thank you. Now you have done your own and we will do our own too,” he said.

Wike announced the construction of the Gbesse-Mango Bridge to address the plight of students who have suffered due to a dilapidated crossing point.

He also promised to address erosion challenges at Abaji-Ebagi community and complete an abandoned road project in the area.

The minister assured the residents that the long-awaited University of Science and Technology in Abaji would become a reality under the current administration.

“That university of science and technology, under this administration, you will see the reality of it. I know what it will do is to create a lot of jobs, to open up Abaji as a town. So be assured, I will be happy. And I know I will be the one that will declare open the operation of that university,” he stated.

The minister also announced the upgrade of traditional rulers, revealing that all second-class chiefs in the area had been elevated to first-class status, while third-class rulers were now second-class, in recognition of their support for the government.

However, Wike devoted a significant portion of his speech to warning residents against opposition politicians, whom he accused of engaging in performative acts to deceive voters

“Please don’t allow people who come and start telling you stories when I come in. Don’t think of when I come in. Let me work with those who are already there.

“Because you can see what they are doing and then you are telling me when you come. When will you come? When will you deal with the people that we have already seen here? I want you to be careful,” he cautioned.

He mocked politicians who he claimed only appear during election periods to feign solidarity with the common people.

“They are very deceitful. They will come down. On the day of market fair, they will stop on the road. They will need to buy groundnuts. They will need to buy corn. And they start chewing. All those things are fake news.

“Ask the man who is buying corn on the road, chewing it. When he was governor, why didn’t he buy corn and chew on the road? When he was minister for 8 years, why didn’t he come down and buy corn and chew? Now you want to impose that we want to start chewing corn. We will not accept that,” he said.

He also dismissed opposition figures who visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps to celebrate birthdays, questioning why such gestures were absent when they previously held public office.

“Some people don’t have because of the crisis, we have IDPs. Every day, they have birthday. Because of the crisis, especially the father and son, they now go to IDPs to begin to do birthday. Ask them, when they were governor, were there no IDPs? Why didn’t they go there to do their birthday?” he queried.

The minister concluded by urging residents to remain patient and continue their support for President Tinubu, assuring them that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” was not mere rhetoric but a practical blueprint for development.

“Right from when Mr. President was inaugurated to when he appointed us, he has made sure that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just in talking, but also in practice. The people must see that the good we have lost has been brought back and that is what we are doing today,” Wike said.

The Ona of Abaji, HRH Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, who spoke during the event, commended the minister for his people-oriented approach and requested the renovation of the traditional council’s palace.

Wike directed the council chairman to obtain a design for the palace project immediately.