The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has linked ongoing infrastructure development and engagement with indigenous communities to efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
Wike stated this while responding to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, expressing confidence that his administration’s projects and community engagement would influence residents’ political decisions.
He said his administration had prioritised infrastructure development, consultations with traditional rulers and engagement with stakeholders to address concerns affecting residents across the six area councils.
The minister disclosed that former senators, ex-members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen had recently expressed support for the administration, irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to him, their position reflected their assessment of the government’s approach to governance in the FCT.
“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.
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He maintained that regular consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders were important to ensuring that the concerns of indigenous communities and other residents received attention.
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 added that the administration’s development agenda extended beyond Abuja’s city centre to communities on the outskirts of the capital.
Wike also announced plans to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, including roads linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.
He said the projects demonstrated the administration’s intention to extend infrastructure development to different parts of the territory.
On electoral mobilisation, the minister dismissed suggestions that he was targeting only the minimum 25 per cent of votes required in the FCT as part of his role coordinating support for Tinubu.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence in his administration’s engagement with residents but acknowledged that the final electoral outcome would be determined through the democratic process.
The minister also defended his administration’s handling of issues affecting indigenous communities, including traditional institutions and appointments.
He challenged critics to identify other civilian administrations that, in his view, had done more to accommodate indigenous interests through appointments and other measures.
On the elevation of traditional rulers and the presentation of staff of office, Wike said arrangements were being made to present certificates to the relevant beneficiaries.
He also responded to concerns about water supply in Karu, where residents were reportedly yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project.
Wike explained that the government had provided the main infrastructure and access points, while connections to individual properties would require additional arrangements.
He rejected the expectation that the government should provide direct connections to every household, arguing that the infrastructure laid the foundation for residents to access the water supply.
The minister maintained that his administration’s record on infrastructure, security and community engagement would feature prominently in efforts to secure support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
