Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that the emerging “rainbow coalition” of political interests ahead of the 2027 elections would base its decisions on areas of political strength across the country.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary, Wike said the coalition would carefully assess political realities before taking positions.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” the minister stated.
Wike also dismissed attempts to link him with the ongoing screening controversies involving aspirants in Rivers State, insisting he had no role in the affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” he said.
The minister further said he could not speculate on issues outside his political party.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” Wike added.
On governance, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, saying several projects earmarked for inauguration during Tinubu’s third anniversary celebrations were nearing completion.
According to him, contractors handling key road projects had assured the administration that pending works, including streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.
“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month they will finish the streetlights and that is being handled by Green Book and Lubrix,” he said.
Wike noted that the Diobu to M5 road project being handled by Lubrix was progressing steadily, while the road project executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had already been completed except for streetlight installation.
“That road is already completed and the contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he stated.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with progress on another major bridge project, saying the bridge had already been launched and linking roads were being constructed.
“You can also see that it is almost completed. The bridge has been launched and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he added.
Wike described the projects as proof of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to quality infrastructure delivery in the FCT.
“Part of these projects fixed by Mr President will be inaugurated. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he said.
Reacting to complaints over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) during tax enforcement operations, the minister said many residents often resist tax payment.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” Wike stated.
He, however, noted that no formal complaint had been brought before the FCT Administration against AMAC officials.
