The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a direct swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a habitual contender who keeps returning to the ballot despite repeated defeats.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday while inspecting ongoing road projects across Abuja, using the opportunity to respond to Atiku’s criticism of the current administration.
He dismissed those claims outright, arguing that Atiku had no grounds to say nothing had improved.
In his words, Atiku has been a “serial contestant and loser,” and he believes the former vice president will likely still be in the race again by 2031.
Wike didn’t stop there. He challenged Atiku to compare the state of the FCT today with what it was during his time in office, insisting the difference is clear.
“Let him look at Abuja now and when he was vice president,” Wike said. “Can he honestly say things are the same?”
He also addressed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that officials in the FCT tried to disrupt the party’s convention.
Wike brushed it off, saying he wasn’t even aware of the venue in question and insisted there was no interference.
“These kinds of claims are just attempts to gain sympathy,” he said.
The minister stressed that his focus remains on governance, not politics, noting that ongoing projects would continue regardless of the political climate.
“The election will come, but work must go on. Contractors are here to deliver, not to play politics,” he added.
On infrastructure, Wike gave updates on key projects, saying work on the Airport–Kuje road is nearing completion, with part of the bridge set to open soon. He also noted that the first phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada road project is progressing well and should be ready around the same time.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work, adding that these developments would transform Kuje into a more attractive place to live and help ease pressure on central Abuja.
Wike concluded by saying most of the administration’s projects are on track, with over 80% expected to be completed before January.
