The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining Abuja’s rapid infrastructure expansion, declaring that project delivery will continue at full pace despite the build-up to the 2027 general elections.
Wike gave the assurance while addressing journalists after inspecting the Federal Highway 105 to Kuje town road and the dualisation of the Kuje–Gwagwalada road, highlighting the ongoing transformation of the capital’s road network.
He emphasised that governance and service delivery remain the top priority, stressing that development timelines are being accelerated to ensure tangible impact well ahead of the election season.
“It’s feasible. People must work. The contractors—are they part of the elections? No. So, people will work. People must feed. We wouldn’t stop our various works because of elections… Even before we get to January, we must have done virtually over 80 per cent of what we intend to do. So, we don’t have any problems about that,” Wike said.
The Minister noted that the pace of work across key corridors reflects a deliberate strategy to fast-track urban mobility, decongest the city centre, and unlock economic opportunities in satellite towns.
He disclosed that contractors handling the Kuje–Gwagwalada axis have committed to completing and handing over the projects by the end of May, underscoring the administration’s results-driven approach.
On funding, Wike explained that the FCT Administration is currently executing the 2025 budget, extended to June, while the 2026 budget—containing provisions for the second phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada dualisation—awaits approval by the National Assembly.
He further said that the continuity of funding frameworks ensures that ongoing and upcoming projects remain on schedule, reinforcing confidence in Abuja’s long-term infrastructure roadmap.
Responding to criticisms by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Wike maintained that the visible transformation across the FCT speaks for itself, urging objective assessment of progress.
“Atiku is a serial contester and loser. Let him compare FCT now to when he was Vice President. Can he compare what is in FCT today to what it was then? His boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said the former Vice President is a complete failure and even attached corruption to his name. So, why would I reply to someone like that?” he said.
Wike reiterated that the administration’s central focus remains delivering infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents, positioning Abuja as a modern, efficient capital city.
He also dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of interference in its convention plans, describing the allegations as unfounded and calling for evidence to support such claims.
“I don’t even know where Rainbow (the event centre) is. I have no business with your convention. People just want to have public sympathy. If you don’t know what to do, for Christ’s sake, go and solve your problems. I will be very glad for them to be on the ballot so the stories can be over,” Wike said.
The Minister concluded that the ongoing infrastructure push reflects a broader vision of building a resilient and globally competitive capital city, with sustained momentum expected in the months ahead.