***‘I’m not Targeting 25 Per cent’ — Minister Declares, Lists Roads, Police Stations, Other Projects
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that projects executed by his administration will strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu, declaring that his government’s performance will speak for itself at the polls.
Wike, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, cited infrastructure development, improved security facilities and engagement with traditional rulers as evidence of his administration’s efforts to address the concerns of residents across the FCT.
The minister also disclosed that former senators, ex-members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen from different political backgrounds had recently rallied behind the administration.
According to him, their support reflects growing recognition of his administration’s approach to governance and its engagement with different communities in the territory.
“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.
Highlighting his administration’s security interventions, the minister said at least two police stations had been constructed in each of the FCT’s six area councils.
He maintained that the government was extending development beyond the city centre to communities on the outskirts of Abuja, adding that at least 10 projects would be commissioned before the end of December.
Among the projects, he said, were road projects linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.
Wike, who is coordinating political activities in the FCT in support of Tinubu, dismissed suggestions that the administration was aiming for only 25 per cent of the votes in the territory.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the administration’s performance would resonate with residents, while acknowledging that the final electoral outcome would be determined through the democratic process.
The minister also defended his administration’s record on issues affecting indigenous communities, including appointments and recognition of traditional institutions.
He challenged critics to identify any previous civilian administration in the FCT that had done more to accommodate indigenous interests through appointments and other measures.
On the presentation of certificates and staff of office to traditional rulers, Wike said arrangements were being made to present the relevant documents to the beneficiaries.
The minister also addressed complaints about water supply in Karu, where residents were reportedly yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project.
He explained that the government had provided the main infrastructure and access points, but connections to individual properties would require further arrangements.
Wike rejected the expectation that the government should directly connect every household, insisting that the infrastructure already provided would serve as the foundation for residents to access the water supply.
He maintained that his administration’s record on roads, security and community engagement would be a major consideration in how residents assess its performance.
