Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thundered a strong warning to Nigerian politicians, especially second-term governors eyeing succession plans, declaring that anyone who supports betrayers will end up being betrayed.
Wike dropped the bombshell on Saturday in Port Harcourt while commissioning the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ headquarters, which houses Majority FM 89.5, a situation room, offices and operational vehicles.
In a no-holds-barred speech, the former Rivers governor said politicians must be careful who they align with, stressing that betrayal is a seed that always produces harvest.
“Whether you are a senator, House of Reps member, minister or governor, if you support betrayers, betrayal will follow you everywhere,” Wike warned.
He particularly cautioned governors serving their second term and nursing ambitions of installing successors, saying backing the wrong persons would backfire.
“You support a betrayer and think you will survive it? The day you are betrayed, you won’t have the mouth to talk. You will reap what you sow,” he declared.
Apparently referring to his own political experience, Wike said while his own successor took “some months” before showing signs of betrayal, others may not be that lucky.
“My own took some months; your own will start immediately after inauguration,” he said.
The FCT Minister insisted that loyalty and integrity remain the backbone of political survival, adding that leaders must be mindful of the alliances they build.
“Betrayal is your portion if you support betrayers,” Wike stressed, saying it was a message politicians should not take lightly.
His fiery comments have since sparked fresh political conversations across the country.
*** Says state “battle ready” as he commissions Renewed Hope HQ, radio station
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday fired a political missile from Port Harcourt, declaring that Rivers State is fully secured for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of 2027 — with or without a sitting governor.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors headquarters, which also houses Majority FM 89.5, a situation room and operational vehicles, Wike said Rivers people have what it takes to mobilise massive support for Tinubu’s re-election.
“We don’t need to have a governor to mobilise for Mr President. We have senators, National Assembly members, assembly members, council chairmen and party leaders. We have all it takes,” Wike thundered.
The former Rivers governor described the oil-rich state as a “no-go area,” insisting that the structure already put in place would deliver victory for Tinubu in 2027.
“Our commitment is not by mouth. It is not by newspaper talk. We are showing it with action. Let anybody come to Rivers and learn,” he dared.
Wike showered praises on the Coordinator of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, for spreading the Tinubu gospel across the 23 local government areas.
“You have moved to all the nooks and crannies of Rivers to talk about Tinubu for President. That is capacity,” he said.
He urged the group to immediately take the mobilisation down to the wards and polling units, stressing that the movement must penetrate the grassroots.
“We must go to the units and talk to our people. Go and see the situation room, go and see the radio station — we are battle ready. Unity is strength,” Wike declared.
Recalling the 2023 elections, Wike said Rivers leaders took a bold decision to support Tinubu without pressure, adding that the state would stand by the President again.
“Whether anybody likes it or not, when the President shows interest to run in 2027, we have no choice than to support him,” he said.
Earlier, Ambassador Akawor hailed Wike for what he described as visionary leadership and disclosed that coordinators had been appointed in all 23 councils to drive the Renewed Hope agenda across the state.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the killing of about 170 people in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State as clear evidence of what it called a total collapse of security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The party said measures announced by the Federal Government to curb insecurity were not working, insisting that the current strategy merely “redistributes terror” rather than eliminating it.
In a statement issued Friday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the massacre, describing it as one of the worst atrocities recorded in recent times.
“This horrific massacre is one of the worst atrocities recorded in recent times and stands as a painful reminder of the complete collapse of security across the country,” the party said.
It expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Kwara State, lamenting that citizens were being left unprotected.
The ADC questioned the effectiveness of the President’s declaration of a state of emergency on security in November 2025, as well as the widely publicised recruitment of thousands of police personnel.
“Nigerians are entitled to know what has become of that promise. Have these recruits been employed, trained and deployed, or has the exercise quietly stalled?” the statement asked.
According to the party, if such measures had been fully implemented, vulnerable rural communities would not remain exposed to mass killings.
The ADC also raised concerns over reports suggesting that the attackers could be linked to terrorist elements displaced from other regions, alleging weak internal security coordination.
“The net effect… is that the Tinubu administration is not winning the war against terror. It is merely redistributing it,” the party stated.
It further argued that recurring incidents of mass abductions and killings across different states point to deeper structural failures in intelligence gathering, border control, inter-agency collaboration and emergency response.
The party urged the Federal Government to provide a clear account of its security strategy, disclose the status of the promised police recruitment, and outline concrete steps to prevent the spread of terrorist activities across states.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this path of denial and inaction. Lives are not statistics, and governance is not public relations,” the ADC added.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee has hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising its leadership, describing the move as a decisive step toward restoring stability and constitutional order within the party.
The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led committee, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said INEC’s recognition has cleared uncertainties and strengthened the party’s internal processes ahead of its National Convention and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Wike-backed faction of the PDP noted that the development came at a critical time when the party is repositioning to field credible candidates and rebuild public confidence.
“By affirming a lawful leadership structure following the Federal High Court judgment, INEC has helped to remove uncertainties capable of undermining the party’s organisational processes and electoral readiness,” the statement said.
The committee commended INEC for what it described as a firm commitment to due process and the rule of law, stressing that such action reinforces democratic principles.
“Such institutional courage strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and reassures party members and supporters that legality, not arbitrariness, remains the guiding principle in electoral matters,” it added.
Calling for unity within party ranks, the committee urged members to set aside differences and embrace reconciliation in order to reposition the PDP as a credible alternative ahead of 2027.
“The time has come to set aside differences, embrace reconciliation and channel our collective energy towards strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections. Nigerians look to our party for responsible leadership, and we must not allow internal disputes to distract us,” the statement noted.
The committee further appealed to stakeholders at all levels to rally behind the recognised leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed as it works toward organising a successful convention and laying the foundation for victory in the next electoral cycle.
Merck Foundation and African First Ladies have stepped up the battle against cancer, vowing to halt the rising wave of cases and preventable deaths across Africa.
The renewed commitment came as the world marked World Cancer Day 2026 with the theme “United by Unique,” a call to put people at the centre of cancer care.
Chief Executive Officer of Merck Foundation, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, described cancer as a growing menace that demands urgent global attention, stressing that early detection remains a lifesaver.
She revealed that nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated if detected early, while up to one-third can be prevented by avoiding major risk factors.
“Act early, get screened and choose prevention,” she urged.
Dr. Kelej said the partnership with African First Ladies has begun yielding results, particularly in building local cancer care capacity.
According to her, the foundation has provided 258 oncology scholarships out of a total of 2,500 scholarships across 44 medical specialties in 34 countries.
In a major breakthrough, she disclosed that the initiative has produced the first-ever oncologists in countries such as The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad and Niger reducing dependence on foreign medical treatment.
“Behind every number is a human story — a doctor empowered to save lives and patients who no longer need to travel abroad for care,” she said.
She also spotlighted the foundation’s “Ray of Hope” storybook, designed to educate children and families on prevention and early detection.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, raised the alarm that cancer has become a full-blown public health emergency on the continent.
He disclosed that over one million new cases are recorded annually in Africa, with nearly the same number of deaths each year.
“Cancer is no longer a silent crisis in Africa. It is a growing emergency that demands urgent and sustained action,” Janabi warned.
He lamented that many deaths occur not because solutions are unavailable, but because access to screening, diagnosis and treatment remains unequal.
Stakeholders insisted that with stronger partnerships, early detection and improved access to care, Africa can turn the tide against cancer and save millions of lives.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has dropped a bombshell warning to officials: shape up on refuse management in Satellite Towns or face the sack.
While inspecting major ongoing road projects in Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari on Friday, the minister erupted over a neglected refuse dump site, vowing zero tolerance for negligence.
“If by Monday I still see this level of negligence or failure to meet standards, I will not hesitate to terminate the appointments of those responsible,” Wike declared sternly. “Development cannot be compromised. We will not tolerate anything that undermines progress accountability is non-negotiable.”
The no-nonsense ultimatum comes amid an aggressive push by the FCT Administration to deliver a robust road network across Satellite Towns, in line with a direct mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It’s a clear directive from Mr. President to build a strategic and resilient road network throughout the Federal Capital Territory,” Wike explained.
In Karshi, he praised indigenous firm Atufa Construction for fully reconstructing internal roads, expressing strong satisfaction with the quality delivered.
A major highlight is the revival of the long-stalled Apo–Karshi Road. Wike revealed the original contract was terminated due to unacceptable delays and swiftly re-awarded to SCC Construction Company.
“Given the road’s critical importance, we couldn’t afford further waiting. The contract was rescinded and re-awarded, and serious work is now underway,” he stated.
Another key project spotlighted was the 16–17 kilometre Bwari–Kubwa Road, set to significantly reduce traffic congestion and unlock economic potential for communities along the route.
“This is vital infrastructure that will drive economic activity between Bwari and Kubwa,” Wike emphasized.
He announced ambitious timelines: the Bwari–Kubwa Road is targeted for completion by May 3, while several other major road projects across Satellite Towns are slated for delivery before year-end.
Complementing these efforts, landscaping and environmental upgrades in Karshi and nearby areas are also on track for completion this year as part of wider urban renewal initiatives.
Wike pointed out that residents are already experiencing real transformation, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“Communities that have never had decent road infrastructure are now witnessing genuine change,” he said.
With heavy machinery at work and firm deadlines in place, the minister sent an unmistakable message: infrastructure delivery is moving full speed ahead and anyone hindering progress will be shown the door.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused the leadership of the 10th Senate of resisting critical electoral reforms, insisting that Nigerians overwhelmingly demand a clear legislative mandate for real-time electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party expressed concern over what it described as “unimaginable and unpatriotic resistance” to reforms contained in the proposed Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026.
The SDP alleged that ongoing attempts to weaken provisions for electronic transmission of results run contrary to the popular will expressed by Nigerians during nationwide public hearings conducted in 2025.
According to the party, citizens across the country had unequivocally demanded reforms that would strengthen transparency and restore confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in the wake of controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.
The party identified the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as critical tools for credible elections, noting that they help reduce human error and prevent manipulation of results during manual collation and transportation.
“It is no longer deniable that the majority of our current senators who are true patriots, as well as the electoral umpire itself, want Nigeria to move forward in ensuring the integrity of our elections,” the statement said, citing what it described as the positive disposition of the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The SDP, however, warned that what it termed “self-serving cabals” within the Senate leadership must not be allowed to undermine the country’s democratic progress.
It demanded that the new Electoral Act 2026 must contain “an unambiguous legislative mandate” compelling the real-time electronic transmission of results by polling unit presiding officers, to prevent legal ambiguities and future manipulation.
The party argued that INEC has demonstrated the technical capacity and infrastructure to transmit results electronically and should be allowed to discharge its responsibilities without political interference.
Calling for civic vigilance, the SDP urged citizens, civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups to resist any attempt to dilute reforms aimed at strengthening electoral credibility.
“The nation cannot afford a repeat of the credibility challenges witnessed in 2023,” the party stated, adding that safeguarding the integrity of the 2027 general elections must be treated as a national priority.
The statement was signed by Aiyenigba and dated February 6, 2026.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that major judicial infrastructure projects initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are nearing completion, marking what he described as an unprecedented intervention to improve the welfare, security and independence of the judiciary.
Wike, who spoke after inspecting several judicial projects in Abuja on Thursday, said the initiatives were in line with a clear directive by President Tinubu to reduce the accommodation burden on judges and justices and provide a conducive environment for them to carry out their constitutional duties.
According to the minister, one of the flagship projects the Court of Appeal Division with a distinct administrative headquarters is already about 85 to 90 per cent completed.
“After the inauguration of Mr. President in May 2023 and our assumption of office in August, one of his clear directives was that we must look seriously at the welfare of the judiciary, especially accommodation and the environment in which they work,” Wike said.
He revealed that the FCT Administration, through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is also constructing 40 residential houses for judges: 20 for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Court of Appeal and 10 for the Federal High Court, with similar housing planned for the National Industrial Court.
Wike described the development as historic, noting that it was the first time any Nigerian government had deliberately intervened to provide permanent, purpose-built accommodation for judicial officers.
“When you look around where some judges and justices live, sometimes you don’t even know who their neighbours are whether criminals or people whose cases they are handling. That is not healthy. But now, there will be no renting of houses. They will have their own accommodation, very befitting and in a good environment,” he stated.
The minister further disclosed that special official residences, known as “Houses of Courts,” are also under construction for heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the President of the National Industrial Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court.
“We believe that with the speed of work we are seeing, by June or July, these projects would be ready for Mr. President to formally hand over to the judiciary,” Wike said.
Responding to criticisms by some groups who claim the projects could compromise judicial independence, Wike dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
“There is nothing you do that critics will not criticise. Before now, people complained that judges had no befitting places to stay. Now that government is providing it, they say it is an attempt to buy them. How many people can you buy?” he asked.
He stressed that democracy cannot function without a strong and independent judiciary, adding that improving judges’ welfare should not be misconstrued as undue influence.
“You can’t talk about democracy without talking about the judiciary. You also can’t expect them to do their work effectively when they don’t have decent places to live. Even when funds are released to them, it is still the executive that provides those funds,” Wike noted.
On the delayed completion of the Court of Appeal complex, which was earlier scheduled for commissioning last year, the minister attributed the setback to heavy rainfall.
“The rains last year were something else. That affected the timeline. But most of the materials have been ordered and the project is almost completed. We believe it will be inaugurated during the third year of Mr. President’s tenure,” he said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, reaffirming the commitment of the Tinubu administration to strengthening the judiciary as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.
As Abuja gears up to celebrate 50 years as Nigeria’s Federal Capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has praised the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for what he described as purposeful and result-driven leadership in fast-tracking infrastructure development across the territory.
Wike spoke in Abuja when the management of the FCDA paid him a courtesy visit in his capacity as Chairman of the FCDA Board. He said the ongoing transformation of Abuja was a product of strong leadership and commitment within the system.
“Today, everybody is saying there is massive infrastructural development. If that was not made possible, we would still be hanging around and saying nothing is going on,” the minister said, stressing the need to appreciate those who laid the foundation for the progress being recorded.
The FCT minister revealed that a committee would soon be set up to plan activities to mark Abuja @50, which will coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year in office. According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity to showcase Abuja’s growth and development over the decades.
Wike commended the Acting FCDA Executive Secretary for aligning with the vision of the present administration, insisting that leadership and performance, not sentiment, determine success in public office.
“When you have the right leadership, you get results. Since your appointment, you have shown that you are up and doing. If you are not, you won’t be there. There is no two ways about it,” he declared.
He also applauded the management and staff of the FCDA for their cooperation, noting that teamwork had played a key role in the achievements recorded so far. He urged public officers to remain focused on service delivery, reminding them that public office comes with responsibilities, not just privileges.
Expressing concern over neglect of some satellite communities, Wike described the situation in Tudun Madaki as “shocking,” citing poor access roads and lack of basic infrastructure. He assured residents that the ongoing road project linking the area to Zuba would open up the communities and improve their access to the city.
“We talk too much about the city and forget the communities. Government must reach the villages and make people feel its impact,” he said, adding that with President Tinubu’s support, the FCT Administration would continue to open up underserved areas.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Dauda, presented a detailed account of Abuja’s development journey over the past 50 years, highlighting what he described as unprecedented achievements under the current administration. He said the FCT had witnessed its most productive period since August 2023, with dozens of projects completed and commissioned.
“About nine projects were commissioned in 2024, 17 in 2025, and by 2026, we are likely to hit 50 projects,” Dauda said, praising President Tinubu and Wike for their leadership and reaffirming FCDA’s commitment to building Abuja into a world-class capital city as it marks its golden jubilee.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that major infrastructure projects across Abuja will be completed and inaugurated by the end of May, declaring that political activities, including the forthcoming area council elections, will not slow down development.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, Wike described the pace and quality of work as “very encouraging,” stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being translated into tangible results on the ground.
“We are happy with what we have seen. By the end of May, this project will be handed over, and it is one of the projects lined up for inauguration during Mr President’s third year in office,” the minister said.
Wike first inspected the Institutional Research Road, a strategic link road connecting Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions, which serves as an alternative route to the old EFCC road. He noted that the road, when completed, would significantly ease traffic flow in the area.
According to him, the contractor has committed to completing and handing over the project by the end of May.
From there, the minister moved to the Body of Benchers extension building, where he disclosed that construction work is almost 80 per cent completed.
“The work is well done. What is left now is basically landscaping,” Wike said.
The inspection also covered major road projects stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road down to Tungan Madaki, covering not less than seven kilometres. Wike highlighted key infrastructure along the corridor, including a large conference hall and a major bridge with four spans, describing the development as a major breakthrough for communities that had long suffered neglect.
“You can imagine what these communities have gone through. It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open up these areas,” he said.
Wike explained that the project also addressed long-standing demands by local villagers for compensation and inclusion, after initial plans focused only on a second carriageway.
“They demanded that if compensation was to be paid for crops, they should also be linked to the city. And that is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he stated.
He added that contractors have given assurances that the major road projects would be completed between the end of May and early June.
Reacting to concerns that political activities could disrupt project execution, Wike dismissed such fears, insisting that governance must remain people-focused.
“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue. Politics will not affect what we are doing,” he said.
He emphasized that constant supervision and field inspections by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) leadership were key to sustaining progress.
“The only way people will be happy and believe that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is by delivering these projects. That is exactly what we are doing,” Wike added.
