ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday took a swipe at his critics, declaring that many of those who once condemned his political decisions and vilified him for associating with President Bola Tinubu are now defecting in large numbers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike’s remarks came just a day after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
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 in Abuja, the minister said recent political events had vindicated his choices.
He stressed that politics should be left for those with maturity and foresight.
“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.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike commended the administration’s policies, especially the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said had significantly improved the financial stability of states and the FCT.
Wike noted that the era of governors struggling to borrow from banks just to pay salaries had ended.
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“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 stated.
He attributed the visible infrastructural transformation in the FCT to President Tinubu’s purposeful leadership and standard-setting approach.
“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,” the minister added.
Addressing the issue of Apo traders’ relocation, Wike assured that plans were still on course, disclosing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had completed the costings for the provision of infrastructure at the new site.
Speaking on the OSEX project, Wike highlighted its strategic importance in easing traffic congestion 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.
The minister also praised FCT Area Council chairmen for their non-partisan cooperation with his administration, describing their unity as unprecedented and essential to the territory’s development.
Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, was also present at the flag-off. Wike described Yobo as “a brother” dedicated to youth empowerment and community development in the FCT.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the OSEX project as “a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic activities, and enhancing mobility for residents.”
She commended President Tinubu for his “consistent reminder that progress is not just in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” while applauding Wike for turning the FCT into “a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal.”