FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday highlighted a shift in the political landscape, noting that many who previously criticised him for his ties with President Bola Tinubu are now joining the All Progressives Congress (APC). The statement came a day after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for 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, Wike defended his political decisions, saying politics requires 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 said. Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike praised the administration’s policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he said has strengthened the financial position of states and the FCT, ending the need for governors to scramble for loans to pay salaries. “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,” he said. Wike said the ongoing infrastructure developments in Abuja are a direct result of President Tinubu’s purposeful leadership. “Whatever we are achieving today in the FCT is because of that leadership. Once you set the standard, everyone you appoint must follow suit,” he added. He also assured Apo traders that plans for their relocation remain on course, revealing that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has completed costings for the provision of infrastructure at the new site. On the OSEX project, Wike emphasised its importance in decongesting traffic into the city. “Before the Apo–Wassa road was completed, it took hours to enter the city. It was horrible. But gradually, we are delivering relief and convenience to the people of the FCT,” he said. The minister commended FCT Area Council chairmen for working across party lines to support his administration, calling their cooperation unprecedented. Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, who attended the event, was described by Wike as “a brother” committed to youth-focused initiatives in Abuja. In a vote of thanks, Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, hailed the OSEX project as “a bold step toward easing traffic, boosting economic activity, and improving mobility for residents.” She praised President Tinubu for “turning policies into visible transformation of lives and communities,” and commended Wike for making the FCT “a construction powerhouse and a model of national renewal.”
