The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a habitual election contender with a record of repeated losses.
Wike, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made these remarks during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects across Abuja on Thursday.
Speaking with journalists, the Minister also used the opportunity to respond to claims by Atiku that the current administration has failed to deliver meaningful results.
Dismissing the criticism, Wike said, “Atiku is a serial failure. He is a serial contestant and loser, and I am sure that in 2031, he will still contest. Nigerians would be laughing at such a person making that kind of statement that nothing positive has been done.”
He challenged the former vice president to compare the development of the Federal Capital Territory under the present administration with the period when Atiku served in office.
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“Let him compare the FCT now and when he was vice president. Can he honestly say what we have now is the same as then?” Wike queried.
He also addressed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that officials of the FCT administration attempted to frustrate the party’s convention by interfering with access to a venue.
Rejecting the claim, Wike said, “I don’t even know where that place is. There was no interference from anybody. These people should just stop looking for sympathy.”
He stressed that governance would not be derailed by political distractions, noting that contractors remain focused on project delivery rather than election-related issues.
“The election will come, but people must work. Contractors are not part of the election,” he said.
On infrastructure development, Wike provided updates on key road projects, particularly the Airport-Kuje corridor, which he said is nearing completion.
“From Airport Junction to Kuje, one part of the bridge is almost completed. Before the end of May, the entire job will be handed over,” he said.
He added that progress is also being made on the Kuje-Gwagwalada road, where the first phase of the dualisation is expected to be completed within the same timeframe.
“I am happy with the progress. We are satisfied with the quality of jobs being delivered,” he noted.
Wike expressed optimism that ongoing infrastructure projects would transform Kuje into a more viable residential and commercial hub, easing pressure on central Abuja.
“Very soon, Kuje will no longer be a satellite town. People will move there and build houses, and the pressure on the city will reduce,” he said.
He further challenged the ADC to provide evidence of any formal communication regarding the use of public facilities, insisting that due process must be followed.
Reaffirming his focus, the minister said most of the administration’s projects are on track for completion before the end of the year.
“Our focus is clear — deliver projects, improve lives, and keep Abuja moving,” he said.
