The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he expects President Bola Tinubu to secure more than 25 per cent of votes in the nation’s capital in the 2027 general election.
Wike spoke during a media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, where he defended his administration’s performance in the FCT.
The minister is banking on the support of former senators, former members of the National Assembly and former area council chairmen from different political parties to secure votes for President Tinubu.
“It’s not about the candidates; it’s about the style of governance and administration as it regards the FCT,” Wike said.
He said the FCTA had prioritised infrastructure development and consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders to address longstanding concerns affecting indigenous communities.
On security, Wike said the administration had constructed at least two police stations in each of the FCT’s six area councils.
He also said plans were underway to commission at least 10 projects before the end of December, including roads linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities.
Wike said the projects were part of efforts to extend infrastructure development beyond Abuja’s central districts to communities on the outskirts of the territory.
The minister dismissed suggestions that his political mobilisation was aimed at securing only the minimum 25 per cent of votes required for a presidential candidate to meet the constitutional spread requirement in the FCT.
“How do you look at me? Coordinator of FCT, and I am looking for 25 per cent? That must be a joke,” he said.
On the interests of indigenous communities, Wike challenged critics to identify another civilian administration that had done more to accommodate them through appointments and other measures.
He also addressed concerns about traditional institutions, saying arrangements were being made to present certificates to beneficiaries following the elevation of traditional rulers and the presentation of staff of office.
On complaints about water supply in Karu, where residents were yet to receive water despite the commissioning of a water project, Wike said the government had provided the main infrastructure and access points.
He said residents would need to arrange connections to their individual properties to get water supply.
