₦airaland Forum

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s record in office, arguing that his years in government, particularly the testimony of his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo should be examined as Nigerians assess his renewed presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike also argued that former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi’s entry into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had complicated the party’s presidential ticket, while questioning the political platform’s capacity to present a convincing alternative to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The FCT minister made the remarks on Thursday during a Rainbow Coalition meeting in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he challenged Atiku to account for his eight years as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.

Wike, who said he had contested a presidential primary against Atiku, questioned the impact of the former vice-president’s time in office, particularly his role in the federal government’s privatisation programme.

“Atiku was vice-president from 1999 to 2007. How many years? He was not just a vice-president, but a very powerful vice-president. He was in charge of privatisation and everything concerning companies and industries owned by the government,” Wike said.

He asked Nigerians to examine Atiku’s record rather than focus solely on his repeated attempts to become president, insisting that his performance in public office should form part of the debate over his 2027 ambition.

“Can anybody tell me, do you see the impact of Atiku Abubakar? No!” he asked.

Wike also invoked Obasanjo’s past criticism of his former deputy, referring to the former president’s reported expression of regret over supporting Atiku’s emergence as vice-president.

The minister argued that Obasanjo’s assessment of their relationship should be considered in evaluating Atiku’s political record.

He urged political stakeholders to scrutinise the records of those seeking the presidency and avoid making decisions based solely on emotion or political affiliations.

Wike further questioned the justification for presenting Atiku and Amaechi as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election, directing attention to projects and financial transactions during Amaechi’s eight-year administration as Rivers governor from 2007 to 2015.

He cited the alleged expenditure of $10 million on a mosquito-control programme, $39 million on a proposed specialist hospital and N68 billion on a monorail project, demanding explanations about the outcomes of the initiatives.

The minister also questioned the handling of proceeds from the reported sale of a gas turbine, which he said took place in December 2014 for $308 million.

“Where is the $308 million? Where is the $39 million? Where is the N68 billion? And where is the $10 million for fumigation?” Wike asked, challenging the former governor to account for the transactions.

The allegations formed part of Wike’s broader argument that Nigerians should scrutinise the records of political officeholders before entrusting them with higher responsibilities.

He urged political stakeholders to examine the promises and performance of aspirants rather than be swayed by campaign rhetoric, insisting that the country’s leadership choices should be informed by accountability.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Zonal Director of the Post Primary Schools Board, Chimereze Nworgo, said the people of Ogbia Local Government Area had not forgotten the security and infrastructure interventions associated with Wike’s tenure as Rivers governor.

Nworgo cited the construction of the Ogbia-Nembe Road, improved connectivity, the establishment of a model secondary school and recognition of traditional institutions as some of the interventions appreciated by the community.

He also commended Wike’s role in supporting the political representation of Ogbia indigenes at the national level, including Ambassador Desmond Eji Akawor

While reaffirming the community’s political support for Wike, Nworgo appealed for further interventions in road construction and rehabilitation, a general hospital, renovation of dilapidated schools, youth employment and empowerment, and more political appointments for Ogbia indigenes at state and federal levels.

He said the community’s endorsement did not suggest that all its development needs had been met, but reflected its willingness to sustain engagement with the former governor in pursuit of its aspirations.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Ogoni people of Rivers State will reward President Bola Tinubu with their votes in the 2027 general elections for giving them a Federal University of Environment and Technology and appointing their sons and daughters into key federal positions.

The Minister, who said the Federal University of Environment Technology will become a major driver of employment, economic growth and development in the Ogoni area, spoke on Wednesday at a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting with the people of Tai at Gbenegininwa Hall, Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He urged residents to appreciate the long-term benefits of the institution, describing its establishment as a significant achievement that could transform the fortunes of the area.

Wike said the university was the product of sustained efforts by the late Senator Barry Mpigi, who worked to secure federal approval for its establishment before his death.

According to Wike, the process of establishing a federal university requires extensive legislative and executive procedures, making the institution a major opportunity for the people of Tai and the wider Ogoni community.

“If you don't know what it is, even me as a minister, it would be difficult to go through the National Assembly. The National Assembly will pass it, it will now go to the President. Sometimes, the bill will stay there for years,” he said.

The minister urged the people not to underestimate the institution's potential, noting that its benefits would become more evident as it expanded its academic programmes and operations.

“You don't know what you have because the university just started. By the time this university stays four years, five years, then you will know the development,” he said.

Wike added that the institution would create employment opportunities for young people and generate economic activities that would benefit residents and businesses in the host community.

He said the university's presence would provide opportunities for qualified indigenes to secure jobs while stimulating demand for accommodation, transportation, trade and other services.

At the town hall meeting, Wike also welcomed political associates who had returned to the Rainbow Coalition after disagreements, describing their reunion as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among leaders and supporters.

He said the group had not broken into separate political parties, adding that the disagreements that arose among members should not prevent them from working together.

“Let me first of all welcome my brothers. They didn't go anywhere. There was no fight, they didn't go to any other party, the same party, but there was a small fight and so we've all come back together to work as a team,” he said.

The minister commended the local government chairman for his commitment to reconciliation and urged the leadership to ensure that returning members were treated fairly.

He said the reintegration process should be genuine and inclusive, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the group's cohesion.

Wike said the meeting was also intended to enable political stakeholders to assess their options and consider what would best serve the interests of Tai, Ogoni and the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

He urged residents to examine the records of political leaders seeking their support rather than rely solely on campaign promises.

The minister questioned what some political figures had done for the area while occupying public offices, arguing that voters should assess their contributions to the development of Rivers State and the country.

Wike also challenged political leaders in Tai to meet a proposed target of securing 70 per cent of votes for President Tinubu and other candidates supported by the Rainbow Coalition in the forthcoming elections.

He clarified that the target was based on votes cast in favour of the candidates, rather than 70 per cent of registered voters.

The minister recalled that Tai had traditionally been among the first local governments to deliver its election results in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.

He encouraged the local government to maintain its record, adding that it could receive additional support if it achieved the target.

Wike said the proposed incentive was intended to encourage political mobilisation and strengthen the coalition's grassroots organisation.

The minister's remarks came as the Tai Local Government Council disclosed plans to partner with him on an estate project intended to provide accommodation for students, parents and visitors to the institution.

The Council Chairman and Rainbow Coalition Coordinator in Tai, Mbakpone Okpe, said the necessary processes had been concluded, with developers expected to sign an agreement ahead of the project's commencement.

Okpe also disclosed that the council had constructed the university's entrance gate and an approximately one-kilometre dual carriageway within the premises to complement the Federal Government's investment.

The local government chairman had earlier told the gathering that Tai recorded 4,568 collected Permanent Voter Cards during the first-quarter distribution exercise.

Okpe said the coalition was working to integrate former members and mobilise supporters across the local government's 10 wards.

He also said the council had set aside N100 million in an account in preparation for the proposed incentive scheme.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the people of Tai to pay tribute to the late Senator Barry Mpigi and thank Wike for his support following the senator's death in March 2026.

Okpe said the minister took responsibility for the burial arrangements, easing the burden on the deceased's family and the community.

He described Wike's intervention as evidence of his longstanding relationship with the late senator and the people of Tai.

The chairman also disclosed that his administration spent about N120 million monthly on an empowerment programme benefiting at least 3,400 people.

He said the council would continue to support the university's development and pursue additional projects to improve infrastructure and living conditions across Tai.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that throwing total support behind President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid is the strategic key to unlocking unprecedented political appointments, infrastructure development, and lasting national relevance for Rivers State.

Speaking on Monday during an interactive meeting with supporters of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Fubara-aligned youth leaders in Port Harcourt, Wike emphasized that aligning with the federal government will secure the state's position as a powerhouse in national politics.

The FCT Minister urged party faithful, youth groups, and local stakeholders to put past grievances behind them, forgive past missteps, and rally solidly behind President Tinubu.

He stressed that politics is about calculating where the state stands to gain the most leverage.

"All I want to hear in this state is Tinubu and nothing but Tinubu. If we play the role we are playing now, and we are one of the first three states that get the highest number of votes, we will get more of the appointments,” he said.

Pointing to tangible achievements, Wike noted that the current administration has broken records in terms of high-profile federal appointments awarded to indigenes of Rivers State.

He added that a massive voter turnout for the President would guarantee even greater stakes and bumper opportunities for the state's populace, particularly the youth.

Reflecting on his political journey and stewardship, Wike explained that his primary motivation is ensuring Rivers State remains a central fixture in national decision-making, where no president can afford to sideline the state's leadership.

He highlighted infrastructural milestones, such as the construction and opening of major roadways like the Bonny road, as direct evidence of President Tinubu's commitment to delivering legacy projects for the region.

The Minister also addressed internal party alignment, noting that local political structures across different platforms are collapsing into a unified front to back the President.

Acknowledging that political transitions and alliances naturally come with friction, rumors, and minor disagreements, Wike called for calm and reconciliation at the grassroots level.

He assured those who may have felt sidelined that structured reconciliation committees are working to ensure no genuine member of the family is left behind.

“We are talking for survival and growth,” Wike said, charging local government youths leaders to return to their bases, mend fences, and prepare for the upcoming campaign committees and the President's scheduled visit to the state.

“I am not going to be governor again; this is for your own interest. I want this state to grow. I want this state to play an important role in the politics of Nigeria,” he concluded.

Earlier, Mr Ezebunwo Ichemati, former Mayor of Port Harcourt, who spoke on behalf of the governor's supporters, declared the readiness of the group to work closely with Wike to deliver Rivers to Tinubu and other candidates under the Rainbow Coalition.

Ichemati said that the meeting marks a major turning point in the Rivers political landscape, signaling a consolidated front between the Wike and Fubara camps as strategic preparations intensify for 2027 general elections.

He declared that the group is fully committed to joining forces with the political coalition to deliver Tinubu, including Mr Kinsley Chinda vying for governor of the state in upcoming elections.

He described the recent political crisis in Rivers State as a temporary domestic dispute that has now given way to family unity.

"Every family has its own peculiarity in problems. What matters most is that the family comes together, the children watch what has divided them, and decide to move forward.

"If today a marriage faces a problem, some children will go to their father, some will go to their mother. But when a truce is made, the family comes back together—and that is what has happened today,” he said.

Addressing Wike directly, Ichemati acknowledged the FCT Minister as the undisputed leader of Rivers politics while crediting both Wike and Governor Fubara for initiating the peace deal that brought the warring factions together.

He emphasized that Governor Fubara was fully aware and supported the meeting with the FCT Minister.

Ichemati said that reconciliation went far beyond rhetoric, pledging that the vast network of grassroots youths who served as political foot soldiers during the crisis would now act as a formidable force for the coalition.

"The state has been held back for a very long time. Now that you are bringing this peace initiative down to the youths, who are the foot soldiers, I want to assure you that we commit ourselves to join our brothers in the rainbow coalition.

‘What you see here today will transform into a force that will deliver. We don't want to say much. All we can say is: test us, try us, and we will deliver,” he said.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and National Leader of the Rainbow Coalition, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned the people of Rivers State against surrendering their political future to "gamblers" without vision or proven developmental records.

Speaking during a Rainbow Coalition town hall meeting at Ayama in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Wike rallied support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, declaring that leadership requires concrete action and foresight rather than perpetual political trial and error.

He emphasised that the Rainbow Coalition represents a broad alignment designed to secure a decisive victory in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Addressing a crowded gathering of traditional leaders, party faithful, and community stakeholders, Wike warned against politicians who treat presidential contests like games of chance.

"Don't trust your destiny to political gamblers. Don't trust your destiny to 'kalokalo' people,” Wike charged the cheering crowd.

He described political gamblers as people who keep contesting for the presidency every four years, hoping to recover what they lost, without any genuine vision for the country.

Targeting opposition figures, the FCT Minister singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his Vice Presidential candidate, Mr Rotimi Amaechi under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi as political gamblers and “Kalokalo” people.

“These people are political gamblers and you cannot give your destiny to "kalokalo" people; you cannot hand over your destiny to political gamblers.

“Give a destiny to somebody who we know, who has tried all this, and he has done it,” he said.

Noting that repeated presidential runs without a clear governance plan offer no real solutions to Nigeria's challenges.

Drawing comparisons to international political figures, Wike argued that while leaders like Abraham Lincoln ran multiple times driven by a clear national vision, Atiku continues to run purely out of political habit and desire to recoup his investments.

Defending his record in Rivers State, Wike reminded the people of Abua/Odual that project delivery—not political rhetoric—should dictate their electoral choices.

He challenged Amaechi to show his contributions to the local government area, pointing to his administration's projects in the area.

The Minister praised President Tinubu's administration for stabilizing critical national sectors and restoring industrial harmony in tertiary institutions, calling on Abua-Odual residents to remain steadfast with the current administration heading into 2027.

He urged residents of Abua/Odual to vote Tinubu President, Chinda for governor, Mr Felix Obua for Rivers West Senatorial District, and Solomon Boss for Abua-Odual-Ahoada East Federal Constituency, all under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike also asked the people to vote for Mr John Iderima, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Abua-Odual state constituency..

Mr Kinsley Chinda, APC governorship candidate in Rivers State commended Wike for moving from community to community, mobilising support for Tinubu and other candidates under the rainbow coalition.

“This is a system that we will sustain when we come into government. We have learnt from him, and we will continue.

“It will be a bottom-up approach; the people will decide and determine their fate in government,” Chinda said.

Earlier, Prof. Continue Eketu, who spoke on behalf of Abua-Odual communities, described WIke as his idol and reeled out projects executed in the LGA during his tenure as governor.

Praising Wike's leadership style, Eketu said, ”we have decided and agreed to vote massively for all candidates of the rainbow coalition”.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and federal lawmaker, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has said no member of the ruling party can claim not to have benefited from the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Jibrin stated this on Wednesday night while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he rose in stout defense of the FCT Minister amid attacks from some APC governors.

"There is no APC member in Nigeria today that has not directly or indirectly benefited from the efforts of Wike, so long as delivering the President, also managing the government, also performing his work, there is nobody," Jibrin declared.

The Kano lawmaker insisted that Wike remains a major asset to the APC and should not be subjected to public embarrassment.

"Wike is an asset to the APC. I don’t think Wike should be embarrassed at this moment with public statements," he said.

Going further, Jibrin emphasized the huge sacrifice made by the FCT Minister for the ruling party:

"Wike is an asset to APC, he has sacrificed so much for the President and the APC."

He clarified that his defense of Wike was not borne out of personal closeness, but out of the need to protect the stability of President Tinubu’s second term project.

"And secondly he made a huge sacrifice, as I talk to you, before only God I worship, I don't know Wike but he knows me from a far and I know him from a far, if I see him I know he is Wike and if he sees me he will know I'm Honourable Jibrin, I have met him just twice accidentally, so I'm not holding any brief for Wike, but I think anything that is going to touch on the stability of the journey towards delivering the President I like to make my intervention," he explained.

Jibrin revealed the extent of Wike’s sacrifice for the party, saying the FCT Minister surrendered his own political structures for the APC to thrive.

"I believe that Wike has sacrificed, he handed over Rivers to APC, Wike had candidates FCT election but asked them to step down for APC. Wike came into this government as government of national unity. In reality we should be fair to him, he has done far more than that," he said.

The former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, said it was normal in politics to have members of other parties working for the APC, adding that Wike is not alone in that regard.

"There are people who are in other parties, who are working with us in the NDC, in the ADC. Some of them called me yesterday, saying, 'Look at what they are saying about Wike,'" he stated.

He further advised the aggrieved APC governors to see Wike as one of their own and seek dialogue rather than public attacks.

"For the governors, they should take Wike as part of them, you call Wike the number 32 governor and Adeleke number 33 governor of the APC, if there is problem at the state level, the entire coalition that he is doing is for the President, if anybody at the subnational level feels it may work against him or his interest, they should discuss with Wike, but I do not think Wike should be embarrassed with statements," he stated.

Jibrin’s intervention comes amid criticism of Wike by some APC governors, notably Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who have questioned his continued membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while mobilizing for Tinubu’s re-election under his "Rainbow Coalition."

He argued that Wike’s support has already translated into tangible electoral gains, including the APC’s victory in five out of six Area Councils in the recently concluded FCT elections.

According to him, politics is about numbers and winning, and Wike has proven his capacity to deliver.

The Kano-born politician, a key figure in the coalition for Tinubu’s second term bid, urged the party to protect and leverage Wike’s value rather than attack him, warning against inflammatory statements that could demoralize strategic allies working for the President from outside the APC.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign will be anchored on tangible, visible projects delivered to improve the livelihoods of citizens rather than empty political promises.

Speaking to newsmen following an inspection tour of key satellite town road projects—including the long-awaited Apo-Karshi road and the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa road—the Minister expressed delight that the administration has turned longstanding infrastructure challenges into concrete achievements.

"Campaign is not about promises; it is about what you put into action that impacts the lives of the people," Wike stated. "The administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered for the residents of the FCT. Our team can go home satisfied that promises made have been fulfilled."

Speaking on the 13.5km Apo-Karshi road project, the Minister explained that the contract was awarded as far back as 2011 and was among the abandoned projects inherited by the current administration. Citing its importance to residents and persistent complaints over the delay, the Minister said the original contract was terminated and re-awarded to SCC, a firm he described as having the capacity to deliver.

The Minister commended SCC for continuing work on the project despite payment delays, calling it a sign of confidence in the administration's commitment to fulfilling its obligations. He said the contractor has projected a November completion date.

The Minister also highlighted progress on the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road, a project he said residents never imagined would materialize. He stated that the project is expected to be handed over to the FCT Administration by December.

“I have said by December this project will be handed over to us. Now it's for the people here to also do their own part by appreciating Mr. President for not just making promises but making promises and fulfilling those promises. So, I'm highly delighted”, the Minister stressed.

Remarking on his three years anniversary in office, the Minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging that the tenure had not been without challenges but expressing satisfaction that his team had worked to overcome them.

He announced plans to publish a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects inherited from previous administrations — dating back to the Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari governments — alongside projects awarded and completed under the current administration, to allow the public to independently assess performance.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has debunked reports in some section of the media suggesting that he was lobbying to be made Director-General (DG) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).

The Minister, who reiterated his unflinching support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that he does not need to be the DG or even member of the President's Campaign Council to deliver ensure that the President wins massively in Rivers State and the FCT.

A report in some section of the media had listed the FCT among top party chieftains and government officials lobbying or being mentioned for the position of the APC Presidential Campaign Council DG.

However, reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT described the report as false, saying he did not at any time discuss leadership or even membership of the Presidential Campaign Council with anyone.

He said; "I am outside Nigeria, resting and relaxing after spending over 30 days, commissioning projects, flagging off new ones and inspecting ongoing ones, especially those scheduled for commissioning in December and January, next year.

"When I return, our focus will be the continuous delivery of our mandate in line with the President's Renewed Hope Agenda and to further enhance his electoral fortune in Rivers State and the FCT.

"Therefore, I do not need to be the DG or even member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Mr President's political party to contribute my quota by ensuring that he wins handsomely in Rivers State and the FCT."


Lere Olayinka
Senior Special Assistant
Public Communications and Social Media
August 10, 2026

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has said that he had no regret Stopping Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, from becoming the party National Chairman, saying; "his anger is because we didn't allow him to be PDP National Chairman and no regret doing so."

In a statement on Saturday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister said the political frustration of Bode George has further been compounded by the emergence of Deji Doherty, a personality he does not want to see as the one in charge of the party in Lagos State.

"He wanted to be PDP National Chairman, and was carrying on like the position was his birthright. We stopped him because it was the turn of the South-South. Since then, he has not stopped being angry.

"As a sitting governor, I visited his house in Maitama, Abuja, to appease him after the national convention, his wife attempted to walk me out, but for the intervention of former governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko," the minister said.

He described Bode George as a failed politician, who despite all the privileges and power has not won anything for the PDP in Lagos State since 1999, adding that "We have managed him even though we know that he has no value. But as it is, since he wants to keep dancing naked in the market place of politics, we can't but allow him."

The Minister reiterated that leadership of a political party is not by name, title or being a founding father. Rather, it is about what you are able to bring to the table in terms of winning elections, and in this regard, Bode George is a complete disaster.

"Even his Unit 001 in Ward E2, Evans Street, Lagos Island, he has never won for the PDP. In 2019 Presidential election, APC had 84 votes while PDP had 40. In the 2023 elections, he transferred his voter's card to Eti Osa, PDP had four votes in his polling unit," Wike said.

Wike said since it appeared that he (Bode George) is not busy, he will continue to make his likes busy by creating reason for them to jump from one television station to the other.


Lere Olayinka
Senior Special Assistant
Public Communications and Social Media
August 8, 2026

adaxme:
I laff,they are very intentional being, they know exactly what they want.
Money sex
Good looks
When they can't get it all they settle for their best less and safe options.
Don't ever think they are confused, that how u guys get played

Tenses:
So each time you fvck you show love.

You are definitely not married. When you get married and spend 5 years in the marriage then you will understand that fvck is nothing.

Only then will you be in the position to understand the difference between love and fvck.

Promotion exercise for over 13,000 civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) will start today.

Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr Emeka Ezeh, who made this known on Wednesday, said the exercise was as approved by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The promotion exercise, which will commence today, will be on for a period of ten days, with over 13,000 civil servants participating across 150 cadres and grades.

The statement read; "As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion exercise for over 13,000 FCT Civil Servants for the year 2025.

"The exercise is expected to commence on July 1, 2026 for a period of ten days.

"The Minister further directed the Commission to ensure that 2026 promotion is also conducted before the end of the year to ensure all eligible officers are given the opportunity to grow in the service. He directed the Commission to work with all relevant agencies of FCTA to ensure a hitchfree exercise such that all isues which arose from the previous exercise do not repeat themselves."

He assured all candidates that arrangements have been concluded to ensure this year exercise is hitch free, pleading with participants to be patient during the exercise while wishing them the best of luck in the CBT promotion exercise.

Recall that the FCT Civil Service Commission blazed the trail as the first Civil service Commission to conduct its promotion exercise by CBT in 2024 barely six months after inauguration in March 2024.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially commissioned the newly rehabilitated and expanded road network from Karu Interchange to Customs Clinic Junction, including other adjoining roads in Karu, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC.

Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, June 29, 2026, the President described the 15km road project with solar-powered street lights as another monumental stride in the administration’s drive to modernize the Federal Capital Territory and deliver Renewed Hope where citizens live, work, and commute.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shetima, said the intervention directly tackles years of congestion on the Karu corridor, a critical gateway between the FCT and neighboring states.

“For years, the Karu corridor suffered from severe traffic congestion that drained the productivity and energy of residents. By expanding and rehabilitating these roads, we are not just laying asphalt; we are injecting life back into the local economy,” the President stated.

He noted that the project “dramatically cuts down daily travel times, eliminates frustrating gridlocks, and ensures that businesses in this densely populated area can thrive under the right conditions”.

The President highlighted the speed of infrastructure delivery in the district, pointing to the previous week’s commissioning of water supply to Karu and surrounding communities. He described it as a clear testament to the current administration’s promise to resolve urban congestion and uplift the living standards of the people.

To secure the corridor and prioritize the safety of its users both day and night, the President disclosed that modern solar-powered streetlights have been installed along the entire network. “These streetlights are illuminating dark stretches, drastically reducing nighttime crime, and improving visibility for motorists,” President Tinubu said.

He commended the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, for the pace and quality of delivery across the Territory.

“The rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without the dogged, relentless and focused supervision of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike. His aggressive implementation of our urban renewal master plan is visible for everyone to see,” President Tinubu stated.

He added: “By prioritizing high-density, strategic satellite towns like Karu alongside the city center, the FCT Administration is validating our governance philosophy: that the wealth of this territory must yield practical, everyday comfort for all socio-economic classes.”

The President also applauded the contractor, Abdul-Val Nigeria Limited, for quality work and timely delivery noting that Nigerian firms can match international benchmarks for quality, structural integrity, and project management.”

President Tinubu urged the Karu community to take ownership of the new infrastructure, protect it from vandalism and avoid indiscriminate roadside dumping that could clog drainage systems to ensure that the roads serve the long term interest of the community.

Speaking earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unfailing support to the FCT Administration (FCTA) and acknowledged the President's consistent presence so far at the ongoing project commissioning across the territory.

Noting that President Tinubu was also in Karu, precisely one week before to commission the satellite water project, the Minister disclosed that all road projects requested by Karu residents have been fully delivered, completely transforming the local landscape.

He described the Karu road project as a promise fulfilled and urged residents to look past political affiliations when assessing developmental strides. The Minister further assured all FCT communities that under the Tinubu administration, development will touch every district, calling for continued public support.

"It doesn’t matter the political party or association you belong to; when you see a good thing, you should say it is a good thing. Mr. President, whether anybody hates you or not, they cannot hate this road. The opposition uses this road. This is what development is supposed to be," the Minister stated.

Barr. Wike also commended the project's contractor, Abdulval Nigeria Limited and praised the Managing Director of the firm, Otunba Abdullahi Suleiman Bello, for his financial commitment and resilience. He noted that the contractor never abandoned the site regardless of payment timelines and successfully delivered the challenging project ahead of the administration's third-year anniversary timeline.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has challenged candidates contesting in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be prepared to struggle for power.

Wike, a national leader of the PDP, stated this during the party’s 109th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

“Nobody gives power. Nobody has done it. Power is taken; if you did not do so, it’s your business.

“You must fight for it to take it. Nobody gives power, and nobody is ready to dash you power. You have to struggle for it. You have to fight for it. You don’t have to be afraid.

"Every time you complain, oh, the governor is this, what do you want him to do? To allow you to come and take power like that?

“If you’re not serious, say you are not serious to struggle for power. When you take it, you appreciate it, not when they dash you and you don’t know the meaning of it,” Wike said.

He recalled his political journey through various struggles, including how he became governor when the incumbent belonged to a different political party.

Wike advised candidates, especially those running for governorship, to brace up for keen contests.

He said that in the present setting, most people were used to ‘food is ready’ politics.

“You are used to people preparing something for you to come and eat, and you think it will always be like that. It cannot always be like that.

“A time will come when there will be challenges in life and when you will be tempted in life,” he said.

Wike said that he happened to come from a background where he never got anything on a platter of gold, recalling that when he contested for a local government chairmanship position, the matter went all the way to the Supreme Court.

“When I don’t see challenges, I know that something is wrong, but when I see challenges, I know success has come,” he said.

He noted that when the PDP was in power, many of its members were like spoiled children depending on their father for daily provisions, reminding them that the party was no longer at the centre.

He urged them to see themselves as children whose father is sick, and remain determined not to disappoint him.

The minister also advised party members to stop introducing religion into politics and electoral matters, challenging them instead to return to their bases and work for the party’s success.

“Why do you bring your faith to this race? Everybody go home, go and bring something, and put it on the table in 2027. Go and bring something.

“I will bring something to the table here. Every NEC member has to bring something. If you bring a House of Representatives seat, you have done something.

“If you bring a House of Assembly member, you have done something. But don’t come here empty-handed; this is not a place for empty hands.

“This is a place where when you come, we look at the results of what you brought. That is what politics is all about,” he said.

Wike advised party members not to be distracted by claims from the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction that it would sponsor candidates for all elective positions in 2027.

He explained that the access code to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate nomination portal would ultimately determine legitimacy.

“As far as I am concerned, June 26 is when INEC will give access codes to political parties to upload results. Don’t worry, we are good to go. Nobody is afraid; we will see who INEC will give the code to.

“It is not about going to collect money from people and saying we are in court. Nobody is afraid of the court; courts are meant for human beings, not ghosts.

“So, we are here, we are not afraid. Let them continue going to court while we continue to prepare for our own election.

“Don’t worry, stop thinking about what will happen; the worst has happened,” he said, adding that anyone who is not serious in the business of politics should leave.

The minister also challenged party members and leaders not to be afraid of intimidation, harassment, or arrest.

“Use me as an example. There is nothing I have not seen. I’ve seen everything, including intimidation,” he said.