Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to critics who once accused him of working for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying many of those same voices have now joined the party themselves.
Speaking on Wednesday during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Main Carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to Ring Road II in Abuja, Wike didn’t hold back.
“I’ve been watching things unfold on TV and social media,” Wike said. “Those who accused me of trying to destabilize my party, claiming I was secretly working for APC — today, they’ve all joined the APC. If that’s the case, then they should actually commend me. I laid a good foundation for them.”
The FCT Minister emphasized that politics requires maturity and strategic thinking. “In politics, you must be careful. It’s not for the rash. I’ve always told people to understand that.”
His comments come amid a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. APC spokesperson Felix Morka recently mocked the trend in a viral tweet:
“PDP IN DUMPSTER –
In April, it was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)
In June, Governor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)
Then Governor Peter Mbah (Enugu)
And now, Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa).
PDP’s over two decades of political rascality and failure are coming home to roost.
People’s Dumpster Party (PDP)? Why not?”
On Tinubu’s Fuel Subsidy Removal: “A Game-Changer for Governance”
Wike also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold decision to end fuel subsidy payments — a move he described as transformative for states and the FCT.
Reflecting on his time as Rivers State Governor, Wike said the difference is clear: “I used to run from one commercial bank to another, begging for loans to execute projects. Sometimes, we couldn’t even pay salaries, let alone fund infrastructure.”
“But today,” he continued, “thanks to one man’s leadership, that has changed. States now have the funds to not only pay salaries but also undertake meaningful projects. Banks are now chasing after governments, not the other way around.”
He praised President Tinubu’s courage in taking tough but necessary decisions. “It doesn’t matter your party affiliation — when you see good leadership, you should acknowledge it. The President took a bold step many before him refused to take, and we’re seeing the results.”
A Vision for the FCT
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also spoke at the event, describing the road project as a major step toward improving traffic flow, boosting economic activity, and enhancing mobility for residents of Abuja.
She praised both President Tinubu and Minister Wike for their vision and commitment to infrastructure development.
“Under your leadership, the FCT has become a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal,” Mahmoud said. “You’ve shown unwavering energy, foresight, and passion to ensure infrastructure here is meaningful and people-centered.”
