By Our Reporter
Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has approved the construction of the Kuje-Sabo-Yenche-Rubochi Road in Kuje Area Council, while urging residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike announced the approval on Friday, October 23, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Rainbow Coalition in Kuje, where residents had requested the construction of the road.
The minister also assured the stakeholders that the second phase of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road project would be completed and commissioned by December 2026, adding that other road construction requests from the area would be addressed systematically.
Wike, however, urged residents to assess political candidates based on their records in public office rather than campaign promises and public appearances during election periods. He called on them to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the administration had demonstrated its commitment to development through infrastructure projects.
The minister criticised opposition figures, including Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), over what he described as calculated displays of humility during political campaigns. He questioned Obi’s visits to markets and internally displaced persons’ camps, arguing that such engagements should be assessed against his record while serving as governor of Anambra State.
Wike also challenged African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi to account for projects undertaken during his tenure as Rivers State governor. He cited the reported N10 billion expenditure on fumigation, a proposed 1,000-bed hospital and the N68 billion Rivers monorail project, questioning their execution and outcomes.
On legislative representation, the minister urged FCT residents to support former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda, alongside other National Assembly candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition. He accused the current FCT Senate representation of failing to adequately address the needs of local communities and traditional institutions.
Explaining the coalition’s philosophy, Wike said political differences should be set aside in the interest of development and peaceful coexistence across the FCT. The alliance brings together politicians from different parties to support candidates considered capable of advancing the interests of the territory.
Earlier, the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo, commended the minister for infrastructure development and for appointing a Kuje indigene as Mandate Secretary for Agriculture. He pledged to mobilise residents in support of Tinubu and the coalition’s legislative candidates.
The FCT All Progressives Congress Chairman, Tanko Yamawo, and the FCT Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Ismaila Mohammed, also praised Wike’s efforts to foster cooperation among politicians from different parties. Both pledged support for Tinubu and the Rainbow Coalition candidates.
Traditional rulers, women’s groups and youth representatives at the meeting also expressed support for the administration, citing its approach to governance and rural development.
A major highlight of the meeting was the announcement by PDP senatorial candidate Angulu Bako and House of Representatives candidate Ahmed Dogara Jacob that they would step down in support of their APC counterparts.
Other dignitaries present included APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Allwell Onyesoh; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and chairmen of the six FCT area councils, among other political leaders and stakeholders.
