The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday lambasted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a “serial failure”.
Wike also dismissed Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition as unrealistic.
Wike said this during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Kuje and along the Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor, where he combined updates on project delivery with a pointed rebuttal of Atiku’s recent criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Responding to Atiku’s remarks on national television that the current administration has failed Nigerians, Wike challenged the former vice president to compare governance outcomes, particularly in the FCT.
He argued that the visible transformation of Abuja in three years of the Tinubu administration outperforms the eight years Atiku served as vice president.
Wike said Nigerians would find it difficult to accept claims that nothing has been achieved, insisting that ongoing infrastructure upgrades across the FCT speak for themselves.
Wike referenced former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming Atiku’s credibility had already been questioned by his former principal.
He argued that such criticism from within Atiku’s own political history undermines his current posture as a critic of government performance.
The FCT Minister said he would “encourage” Atiku to contest future elections, including in 2027 and 2031, suggesting that repeated bids for office were the only means by which the former vice president remains politically relevant.
“2027 is not available,” Wike declared, adding that Atiku’s continued ambition does not translate into electoral viability.
The minister also dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the FCT administration attempted to frustrate its national convention by targeting the Rainbow Event Center in Garki.
Wike denied any knowledge of interference, stating that he had directed his office to investigate the claims and identify those responsible for what he described as deliberate misinformation.
He questioned the timeline presented by the party, noting that a request allegedly submitted on April 7 for an event scheduled on April 14, without follow-up, suggested a premeditated attempt to attract public sympathy.
Wike further downplayed the prospects of a united opposition coalition involving figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Nasir El-Rufai.
He argued that electoral realities, including the ADC’s failure to secure a single councillorship seat in previous FCT elections, contradict claims of a formidable opposition.
Using Rivers State as an example, Wike maintained that prominent political figures would struggle to deliver electoral victories for newer alliances, insisting that established parties like the PDP remain more competitive.
Wike however advised opposition parties to focus on internal organisation rather than public criticism.
“As you make your bed, so you must lie on it,” he said, and accused opposition figures of attempting to shift blame for their political shortcomings.
On infrastructure, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on key road projects. He disclosed that one section of the bridge along the Airport–Kuje road would soon be open to traffic, with full completion expected before the end of May.
He also confirmed that the first phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada road, covering about seven kilometres, is nearing completion, with contractors assuring delivery within the same timeframe.
According to him, the projects are part of a broader effort to decongest the city centre and stimulate development in satellite towns such as Kuje.
Wike clarified that the 2026 budget is yet to be approved, noting that the administration is currently implementing the 2025 budget, which has been extended to the end of June.
He expressed confidence that project execution would not be disrupted by the approaching election cycle, stating that contractors would continue work uninterrupted and that a significant portion of planned projects would be completed before the elections.
The minister maintained that governance must remain on course regardless of political developments, insisting that ongoing projects demonstrate the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible results.
