Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday hit back at his critics, asserting that those who once accused him of betraying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for working with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are now joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in large numbers.
Wike made the remark during the flag-off of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 2 along Wassa Road in Abuja. His comments came just a day after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, officially defected from the PDP to the APC—a move that has intensified political realignments across the country.
“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,” Wike said with a hint of irony. “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.”
The outspoken minister said his decision to align with President Tinubu’s administration had been vindicated, describing politics as “a game for mature minds” rather than a platform for hypocrisy.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the President, Wike credited Tinubu’s policy decisions—particularly the removal of fuel subsidy—for stabilising Nigeria’s finances and empowering states. He contrasted the current economic landscape with his own experience as Rivers State governor.
“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,” he said. “Salaries are being paid, projects are being executed, and no governor is talking about leaving huge debts for successors. That is visionary leadership.”
He praised Tinubu’s leadership for fostering accountability and efficiency across all levels of government, adding that the visible transformation in Abuja’s infrastructure was a direct reflection of the President’s “clear and deliberate governance model.”
“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,” Wike said.
The minister also addressed ongoing relocation plans for traders at the Apo market, revealing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had concluded cost evaluations for the new site’s infrastructure.
Speaking on the OSEX project, Wike underscored its role in decongesting traffic into the city centre. “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.
Wike commended FCT Area Council chairmen for setting aside political affiliations to support his administration, describing their cooperation as “unprecedented.”
Also present at the event was former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, whom Wike described as “a brother” dedicated to youth-focused development efforts in the capital.
In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as “a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic activities, and improving mobility for residents.” She praised President Tinubu for “constantly reminding Nigerians that progress is not just in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” and lauded Wike for transforming the FCT into “a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal.”
What you should know
Nyesom Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a key figure in Nigerian politics, has been at the center of national debates since his appointment as FCT Minister in 2023.
Once a staunch PDP leader, his cooperation with President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration has redefined political alliances—a stance now seemingly validated by the wave of defections to the ruling party.
