The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that his political engagements in Rivers State and the FCT will not distract him from governance or slow down ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja.
Wike gave the assurance during his monthly media parley on Thursday, November 5, 2026, where he provided updates on several major road projects across the territory.
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The Minister said several projects were nearing completion, including the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), Southern Parkway, Tungan Madaki–Zuba road, Nile University road and Kubwa–Bwari road.
He explained that despite his political activities, he remained actively involved in monitoring the projects.
“As I sit here, I can see all the projects in FCT. Many projects are almost completed. The ISEX, where they are launching the bridge now, is almost completed, the Southern Parkway is almost completed by this December,” he said.
Wike added that the road projects being handled by CCECC from Tungan Madaki to Zuba, the road around Nile University and the Kubwa–Bwari road were also approaching completion.
“So, while I’m doing my politics, my eyes are also on the projects. I don’t need to carry a camera, because I’m not the Minister of Works or the Governor of television to see. I’m doing the work, and the work is almost completed,” he stated.
UniAbuja Land Dispute: Wike Dismisses ASUU Threat
On the controversy surrounding the revocation of land belonging to the University of Abuja and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FCT Chapter’s threat to embark on strike, Wike urged the union to exercise restraint.
He maintained that he did not initiate the revocation but continued an administrative process started by his predecessor.
According to him, land administration falls within the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration, adding that the dispute is already before the courts.
“What is the business of ASUU about land? How do you claim that a university has over 30,000 hectares of land? I’m not intimidated by this blackmail. They have gone to court, and we said we will meet in court. Let the judiciary determine it,” he said.
Wike Defends FCT Billboard Charges
The Minister also dismissed allegations that increased billboard advertising fees in the FCT were intended to frustrate opposition political parties and favour the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He described the adjustment as a commercial decision aimed at generating additional revenue to support infrastructure development and improve schools.
“It’s not correct to say that the fee was raised simply because it is you. We want money to do more roads and improve schools,” he explained.
Wike added that billboard spaces were allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, noting that political campaigns were expensive globally.
2027: Wike Denies Involvement in Uzodinma’s Political Disqualification
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Addressing allegations linking him to judicial decisions concerning Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s senatorial ambitions, Wike denied any involvement.
He described attempts to associate him with the court’s decision as mischievous, insisting that he was neither a member of the APC nor a party to the legal proceedings.
The Minister, however, reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying his immediate political priority was to ensure the President’s victory in the 2027 general elections.
“As it is today, my priority is to ensure that Mr President emerges victorious in the 2027 presidential elections,” he said.
On political disagreements surrounding the Rainbow coalition’s alignment in some states, Wike said he would reserve further comments until after the presidential election.
“Today, I’m not talking because we want the presidential election to be over. By the time the presidential election is over, I will speak out. Everything has its own time,” he added.
PDP Crisis: Wike Calls for Fresh Political Strategy
The FCT Minister also discussed the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing recent Court of Appeal decisions dismissing parallel party structures.
He said those challenging the recognised leadership had suffered setbacks at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, including financial penalties of five million naira each.
Wike advised party members against prolonging litigation, arguing that some internal disputes should be resolved through other means.
He, however, acknowledged that the prolonged crisis had affected the party’s political standing.
“The PDP crisis affected us, the damage has been done, we need to go back and strategize and plan again for the future,” he said.
Wike Says Fubara Is Involved in Rainbow Coalition Decisions
Wike also dismissed suggestions that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara had been sidelined in political decisions concerning the Rainbow coalition.
He maintained that the governor had participated in critical decisions, pointing to his public unveiling of the coalition’s governorship candidate in Rivers State as evidence of his involvement.
“For somebody to come out and publicly unveil the governorship candidate, yet you are saying he is not involved?” he queried.
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On whether Fubara would receive another political position after his tenure as governor, Wike described political life as dynamic, noting that opportunities for public service were not limited to holding continuous political office.
“Fubara is a young man whom God has blessed to be a Governor. As far as you are alive, you have hope,” he said.