President Bola Tinubu has publicly commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his “sterling performance,” highlighting the significant infrastructural improvements under his leadership. The president’s remarks, delivered during a traditional Sallah homage at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, have fueled speculation about potential political realignments ahead of the 2027 FCT elections.
Tinubu’s praise was directed at Wike, who led a diverse delegation of FCT residents, including the clergy, judicial officers, mandate secretaries, area council chairmen, political office holders, royal fathers, and heads of security agencies, among others, on a traditional Sallah homage to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The president specifically acknowledged Wike’s efforts in “liberating the bureaucracy,” promoting progressive development, and enhancing opportunities for FCT residents.
Africa Update reports that Tinubu lauded Wike’s proactive approach to addressing administrative challenges, particularly his request to optimise the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to facilitate project execution. Tinubu recounted a conversation where he jokingly questioned whether Wike’s initiatives would benefit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections, despite Wike’s affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The president highlighted specific projects initiated by Wike, including the revitalization of rural areas, the completion of abandoned projects, the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities and schools, and the upgrading of essential services. He referred to Wike as “Mr. Infrastructure,” emphasizing the tangible improvements in the lives of Abuja residents.
In his remarks, President Tinubu described the FCT Minister as “Mr. Infrastructure” and listed some of the various initiatives and projects executed by the administration under Wike’s leadership, stressing that they have translated into better lives for Abuja residents, for which he (Tinubu) remains grateful.
While appreciating the caliber of persons in the delegation, Tinubu said: “I can see the diversity of men and women here. I must thank the Honourable Minister of FCT. It’s worth it. It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
“And when we started, he came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and give opportunities to many of you that would have still been hindered by property rights.
“The independent Civil Service Commission solution and all of that we discussed provide opportunities for upward mobility and promotions that are consistent with the civil service structure, the area councils’ structure, and the indiscriminate development in the face of dwindling resources.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) so that I can do more work and achieve more.’ Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’
“And he presented it, and I threw in my own political jab: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT?’ I said, ‘I know where you are coming from—your own party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favor, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’
“And things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, abandoned projects, and the residence of the Vice President, which had been abandoned for years, coming alive. The health centers are being rehabilitated. The health facilities for the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers and schools are being rehabilitated, and buildings are being furnished. Thank you, Wike.”
Tinubu’s public endorsement of Wike’s performance has ignited discussions about the potential for political cooperation between the APC and Wike, particularly in the context of the 2027 FCT elections. The president’s remarks suggest a growing appreciation for Wike’s administrative capabilities and a strategic interest in leveraging his influence to bolster the APC’s electoral prospects in the region.
