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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections would not derail the execution of ongoing infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital, insisting that the Tinubu administration’s achievements remain its strongest campaign tool.
Speaking while inspecting the Arterial Road N16 linking Ring Road II and Ring Road III, as well as the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki-Zuba road connecting the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, Wike said the administration was already “campaigning with performance.”
“We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done,” the minister said.
According to him, governance will not take the back seat despite political activities, stressing that the FCT Administration has continued to deliver on the promises made to residents.
“All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made promises and fulfilled them. People want to see your report card, not rhetoric. As far as the FCT is concerned, we have shown our report card and have no problem winning any election whenever INEC fixes it,” he added.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Arterial Road N16 project being handled by CBC Global, revealing that the contractor had pledged to complete the project by January.
“The road is very critical. If it is completed by January as promised, I will be highly impressed. We will ensure that funds are made available because once the road is completed, it will open up the entire Gwagwa axis,” he said.
The minister also commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the pace of work on the Tunga Madaki-Zuba road project, saying the company had assured the FCT Administration that the road would be ready for delivery by December.
He noted that although rainfall had slowed earthworks, construction of drainage systems was progressing steadily, adding that approval had been granted for the relocation of electricity poles to pave the way for the installation of streetlights.
Wike praised Chinese construction firms handling projects in the FCT for their commitment, noting that they often commence work without waiting for mobilisation because of their confidence in the government’s ability to meet its financial obligations.
“What gives us happiness with these companies, particularly the Chinese companies, is that they don’t wait for mobilisation before starting work. They have confidence that government will pay, and funding has not been a problem. I will ensure that funds are released promptly so that we can deliver on our promises,” he said.
He urged the contractors to sustain the existing partnership with the FCT Administration and maintain the quality and pace of work to ensure timely completion of the projects.
The inspection is part of the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring of key infrastructure projects aimed at accelerating development across the territory under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.If you want it in The Nation, Punch, or Guardian style, I can also adapt it accordingly.
