2027: Wike Says Performance Is Our Campaign, Projects Won’t Slow Down

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections will not affect the execution of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja.

He made this known on Wednesday during an inspection of major road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, stating that the administration would continue to focus on delivering development while preparing for future elections.

According to the minister, the government’s achievements remain its strongest campaign message. He said the administration does not need empty political promises because completed projects and improved infrastructure already serve as proof of its performance.

Wike maintained that the focus is on fulfilling commitments made to residents, adding that completed projects would speak for the government when the time comes to seek another mandate.

During the inspection, Wike visited the ongoing construction of the Arterial Road N16, which stretches from Ring Road II to Ring Road III and links Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana. The project is being handled by CBC Global. He also inspected the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki-Zuba road connecting the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, which is under construction by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

Speaking on the Arterial Road N16 project, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor. He disclosed that the company had assured the government that the road would be completed by January.

Wike described the project as an important one that would improve movement within the Gwarimpa axis and open up surrounding communities for more development. He also assured that funding would continue to be provided to avoid delays in completing the work.

On the Tunga Madaki-Zuba road, Wike commended the contractor for maintaining steady progress despite the rainy season. He explained that although rainfall had slowed some aspects of construction, work on drainage systems had continued without interruption. He said the project remained on course for completion in December if the current pace was maintained.

The minister also revealed that approval had been granted for the relocation of electricity poles along the Tunga Madaki-Zuba road to allow for the installation of streetlights. He noted that the move would improve safety and support the overall quality of the project when completed.

Wike praised the Chinese construction companies handling several road projects in the FCT, saying they had continued to show commitment by starting work without waiting for mobilisation payments.

According to him, the contractors have confidence that the government will meet its financial obligations, which has helped maintain steady progress on many projects across the territory.

He assured the contractors that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds as needed to ensure work is completed according to schedule. He also encouraged them to maintain the quality of construction and sustain the strong working relationship they have built with the government.

The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s routine assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at ensuring roads and other public facilities are delivered on time under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Wike maintained that governance would remain the administration’s top priority, adding that political campaigns would not slow the pace of development in the nation’s capital.