Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said preparations for the 2027 general elections will not distract his administration from delivering key infrastructure projects across Abuja, insisting that the government’s performance will serve as its strongest campaign.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, stating that the FCT Administration remains committed to providing the dividends of democracy through visible development rather than political rhetoric.
“We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done,” Wike said.
He stressed that governance would remain the administration’s priority, adding that completed and ongoing projects would be enough to convince Nigerians when it is time to vote.
“All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made promises and kept them. People want to see your report card, not empty rhetoric. As far as the FCT is concerned, we have shown our report card, and we have no problem winning any election whenever INEC fixes it,” he stated.
During the inspection, the minister visited the Arterial Road N16 project, which stretches from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, linking Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana. The project is being handled by CBC Global. He also inspected the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki–Zuba Road, which connects the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the Arterial Road N16 project, Wike revealed that the contractor had assured the FCT Administration that the road would be completed by January.
“The road is very critical. If they deliver it by January as promised, I will be highly impressed. On our part, we will ensure adequate funding because once this road is completed, the entire Gwarimpa axis will be opened up,” he said.
Speaking on the Tunga Madaki–Zuba Road project, Wike praised CCECC for maintaining its reputation for timely project delivery and disclosed that the contractor had promised to complete the road by December.
“I am very impressed with what they are doing. The promises we made during the flag-off and commissioning of these projects are likely to be fulfilled. Despite the rains slowing earthworks, they have concentrated on drainage construction, which is progressing well,” the minister said.
Wike also disclosed that he had approved the relocation of electricity poles along the road corridor to pave the way for the installation of streetlights after the project’s completion.
The minister commended Chinese construction companies handling major infrastructure projects in the FCT, describing them as reliable and professional. According to him, many of the firms begin work without waiting for mobilisation funds because they trust the government to honour its financial commitments.
“What gives us happiness with these companies, particularly the Chinese companies, is that they don’t wait for mobilisation before starting work. They know the government will pay, and funding has not been a problem. As soon as I return to the office, I will ensure that funds are made available so we can achieve what we have promised,” Wike said.
He urged the contractors to maintain the quality and speed of work, noting that the inspections are part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure projects in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
