The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as lacking substance and direction, declaring it “dead on arrival.” Speaking during the commissioning of the left-hand service lane of the Apo-Wasa Road on Friday, Wike described the alliance as visionless and incapable of posing a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
President Tinubu, represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commended Wike’s performance in the FCT and urged him to ignore critics, stressing that future generations would remember him for his legacy, not his responses to opposition.
In his address, Wike criticised the opposition for allegedly deceiving Nigerians with empty promises and for lacking clarity on their political direction. He questioned the credibility of the emerging coalition, which includes political figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rotimi Amaechi.
“Which coalition?” Wike asked. “A coalition that was born and died the same day?”
He accused critics of the Tinubu administration of being perpetually unhappy and vowed to continue implementing projects across the FCT despite their opposition. He emphasized that his loyalty remains with the residents of Abuja, not with “unnecessary critics.”
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Wike noted that Tinubu had commissioned projects for 17 consecutive days — an unprecedented feat in Nigeria’s history. “Not flag-offs, I’m talking about commissioning,” he stressed.
Wike also responded to criticism surrounding the N39 billion renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), which has now been renamed in honour of President Tinubu. Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had earlier described the renovation as a wasteful and inflated expenditure. In rebuttal, Wike argued that Nigeria must reflect its status as Africa’s largest nation with world-class infrastructure.
Defending the cost, he said, “What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared to today? People just sit down to criticise without facts. We have taste and want the best for our country.”
He dismissed Obi’s remarks as baseless, adding, “You couldn’t win an election, yet you talk about priorities. If you had any, Nigerians would have voted for you. 2027 is around the corner — let’s wait and see.”
Wike pledged continued support for Tinubu and stated that his partnership with FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud is delivering results thanks to presidential backing.
President Tinubu, through Akpabio, lauded Wike for reviving abandoned projects with discipline and speed, noting that his administration will be remembered for its impactful legacy in the capital. He added that even a blind person could feel the transformation taking place on the Wasa Road.
The newly inaugurated 15-kilometre Apo-Wasa Road, which forms part of the Outer Southern Expressway, links central Abuja to fast-growing districts like Wasa, Apo, Gudu, and Lokogoma. Tinubu said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban development, improved mobility, and better quality of life for residents.
Nzubechukwu Eze
