Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Wednesday said the start of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections will not derail ongoing infrastructure works in the territory, insisting that the administration’s record of delivery is its strongest campaign message.
“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 told journalists while inspecting two major road projects in Abuja.
He said governance and politics would not conflict under his watch, adding that the visible transformation across the FCT has effectively become the Tinubu administration’s report card. “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 said.
The minister inspected the Arterial Road N16 — a key link from Ring Road II to Ring Road III that connects Jahi with Gwarimpa and Karsana — being executed by CBC Global, and the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki–Zuba road, which connects to the Abuja–Kaduna Highway and is handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Expressing satisfaction with progress on the Arterial Road N16, Wike said the contractor had given a January completion target. “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.
He also praised CCECC’s work on the Tunga Madaki–Zuba road, noting the company’s track record for timely delivery and its assurance of a December finish. “I’m 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,” Wike said.
The minister said he had approved relocation of electricity poles along the Tunga Madaki–Zuba route to allow for installation of streetlights. He commended the commitment of several Chinese firms involved in major FCT projects, saying many start work without waiting for mobilisation payments because of confidence in the government’s willingness to honour contracts.
“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,” he said.
Wike urged contractors to maintain the quality and pace of work, stressing that the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring is intended to ensure timely completion of roads and other public facilities under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The inspections form part of ongoing supervision by the FCT Administration aimed at delivering key infrastructure across the territory ahead of future electoral cycles.
