“We have only one PDP, no faction,” Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, fired on Wednesday, shutting down talks of division in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its national convention.
Wike spoke hotly after inspecting several ongoing and completed projects across Abuja, insisting that claims of camps within the party were nothing but noise.
“I don’t know which camp you are talking about. There is only one PDP. Some individuals may not be happy, but there is no faction,” he declared.
He, however, admitted that some aggrieved members have reached out for peace.
“Yes, some individuals have called to say ‘let bygone be bygone,’ but that does not mean there is any faction,” he added, stressing that reconciliation can still go on even as the convention holds.
On governance, Wike showed no signs of slowing down, taking journalists round key projects and scoring contractors on the spot.
At the bridge project near the Fire Service, he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, revealing that the contractors have promised to deliver within five months.
“From what we have seen, it is a very quality job. I commend the company,” he said.
He also confirmed that the N5 road handled by Julius Berger is fully completed and ready for inauguration as part of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary celebrations.
At the Nigerian Law School, Wike beamed with pride over newly completed staff quarters, saying the 10 bungalows were ready and well furnished.
But he didn’t spare underperforming contractors.
While praising progress on the female hostel, Wike openly knocked the contractor handling the male hostel for lagging behind.
“I am not impressed with the level of work there. They were awarded at the same time. They should be at the same level,” he said bluntly.
Still, he said the contractors have assured delivery between October and November.
Wike described the Law School intervention as historic.
“This is the first time government is providing this kind of infrastructure for the Nigerian Law School,” he said, adding that the new facilities would boost student intake as accommodation challenges ease.
On funding, the FCT minister dismissed speculations, saying performance is driven by discipline, not just money.
“It’s not about money, it’s about commitment. You can have all the money and achieve nothing,” he said.
According to him, the administration relies on internally generated revenue and only awards contracts it can fund.
“Projects we don’t have money for, we don’t award them,” he stated.
He credited the rapid pace of development to the backing of President Tinubu.
“When you have a President that gives you support, you have no excuse for failure,” Wike said.
With projects progressing and political tensions rising, Wike made it clear he is focused on delivery and not ready to entertain what he described as distractions within the PDP.
