President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday extended an open invitation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a valuable ally and praising his performance in office.
The President made this appeal during the inauguration of the Arterial Road N16 to Arterial Road N20 and other projects in the Katampe District of Abuja, part of the 17-day celebration marking the second year of his administration.
“We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He’s not a member of our party — not yet. But the day he changes his mind and joins the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will join him in singing, ‘As e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,’” Tinubu said, alluding to opposition discomfort.
Wike Dismisses 2027 Opposition Coalition
In a politically charged response, Minister Wike dismissed any potential coalition against the Tinubu-led administration ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as “dead on arrival.”
“Mr. President, your good work has killed the coalition. The coalition is bound to fail, and it has failed,” Wike declared.
“Now that I know some people are pained, my duty is to continue giving them high blood pressure.”
Tinubu Highlights Renewed Hope Agenda
The inauguration of the arterial road projects underscored President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Addressing stakeholders and residents, Tinubu said his government is focused on transformational projects that will spur economic growth and national integration.
“Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration and economic opportunity,” the President said.
He added that projects like these roads are integral to his administration’s vision, which includes investments in transportation, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
Peaceful Relocation and Community Collaboration
President Tinubu commended the peaceful relocation and compensation of communities affected by the road construction. Addressing traditional rulers, he applauded their cooperation and assured that development would continue without displacing indigenous populations.
“They told me how cooperative you were. You collaborated with the FCT minister. You have been relocated—not forcefully, but respectfully—with compensation,” Tinubu said.
Contractors Competing to Deliver — Wike
Minister Wike revealed that contractors across the FCT have shown renewed enthusiasm due to the administration’s performance and transparency.
“As I speak to you now, companies and contractors are competing among themselves. Most have begun work without mobilisation funds. That is the level of confidence your leadership has inspired,” he told the President.
He promised that all contracts awarded under the Tinubu-led government in the FCT would be completed before the administration’s third anniversary in May 2026.
Praise from FCT Leadership
In a statement from Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director of Press at the FCTA, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support and vision. She also acknowledged Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Assembly, and members of the Federal Executive Council, while hailing Minister Wike for his commitment to transforming Abuja.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Richard Dauda, provided a technical brief of the Arterial Road N16 project, describing it as a six-lane dual carriageway measuring approximately 3.7 kilometres and featuring two interchanges. The road links the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway at Nicon Junction to Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20) through the Katampe District.
