By Chinenye Onwusonye
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a “serial election contestant and loser,” amid ongoing political exchanges between both figures.
Wike’s remarks followed recent criticism by Atiku, who alleged that the current administration has not delivered meaningful progress for Nigerians. Responding during an inspection of ongoing road projects in Abuja, the minister dismissed the claims, pointing to visible infrastructure development across the territory.
He challenged the former vice president to compare the state of the Federal Capital Territory during his time in office with current conditions, insisting that significant improvements have been made.
The minister also stated that governance would not be hindered by political activities, noting that ongoing projects must continue regardless of the election cycle.
Meanwhile, Wike assured residents that key road projects linking satellite towns within the FCT would be completed before the end of May. He disclosed that work on the Airport–Kuje road, including a major bridge, is nearing completion and would soon be opened to traffic.
He further indicated that the first phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada dualisation project, spanning about seven kilometres, is also expected to be delivered within the same timeline.
According to the minister, the projects are part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, reduce congestion in the city centre, and stimulate development in surrounding communities. He noted that ongoing infrastructure expansion is expected to transform areas such as Kuje into major residential and economic hubs.
Wike also dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the FCT Administration attempted to interfere with its convention, stating that there was no involvement by his office and calling on the party to provide evidence.
He reiterated that the administration remains focused on delivering projects and improving living conditions in the FCT, adding that a significant portion of planned infrastructure works would be completed before the end of the year.
The inspection forms part of routine oversight by the FCT Administration to ensure timely delivery and quality execution of ongoing projects.
