Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a jab at his political detractors, saying those who once vilified him for working with President Bola Tinubu are now rushing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike’s remarks came on Wednesday, just a day after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC — a move that has further deepened the ruling party’s growing influence in the South East.
Speaking at the flag-off of the construction of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 2 along Wassa Road, Abuja, Wike said his political stance has been vindicated and that maturity, not hypocrisy, should guide politics.
“I have been watching on television and social media, those who accused me of destabilising the PDP and working for APC, all of them are now in APC. If it is true I worked for APC, then they should commend me, not condemn me. It means I did a good job for them,” he quipped.
The Minister reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, praising the President’s economic reforms — particularly the removal of fuel subsidy — which he said had drastically improved the finances of both the FCT and state governments.
“I was a governor for eight years, and I know what it meant to run around banks to borrow money for projects and even to pay salaries. But today, by the decisive leadership of Mr President, banks are now the ones running after states. Salaries are being paid, projects are being executed, and no governor is talking about leaving huge debts for successors. That is visionary leadership,” Wike said.
He credited the ongoing wave of infrastructure projects in Abuja to Tinubu’s “purposeful and disciplined leadership,” noting that the renewed focus on standards has set a new pace for governance.
“Whatever we are saying today in FCT is as a result of that leadership. Once you set the standard, everyone you appoint must follow suit,” he added.
Wike also updated traders on the planned relocation of Apo Market, revealing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had completed the costing for the new site’s infrastructure.
On the OSEX project, he highlighted its strategic role in easing congestion and improving urban mobility. “Before the Apo–Wassa road was done, it took hours to enter the city. It was horrible. But gradually, we are delivering happiness to the people of the FCT,” he said.
The Minister commended FCT Area Council chairmen for supporting his administration across party lines, describing their cooperation as “unprecedented in the history of the capital.”
Also in attendance was former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, whom Wike referred to as “a brother” dedicated to youth-focused initiatives in the FCT.
In her closing remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, hailed the project as “a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic activities, and enhancing mobility for residents.”
She further praised President Tinubu for “constantly reminding Nigerians that progress is not just in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” and commended Wike for turning the FCT into “a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal.”
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