President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday openly invited Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring him a warm welcome whenever he chooses to switch parties.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Arterial Road N16 to N20 and other infrastructure projects in Abuja’s Katampe District, Tinubu commended Wike’s leadership and hinted at the possibility of future political collaboration.
“We have someone in Nyesom Wike. He’s not yet a member of our party, but when he decides to join the progressives, we will welcome him with open arms,” Tinubu said. “As it pains them, it pleases us.”
The invitation comes as Wike dismissed the chances of any opposition coalition successfully challenging Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
“Mr. President, your outstanding work has already dismantled the coalition. It is bound to fail it has failed,” Wike declared.
“I’ve watched the news and I’m surprised at how much pain it causes them. My role now is to keep raising their blood pressure,” he added with a smile.
The FCT Administration launched a 17-day program celebrating the second anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency. On Tuesday, Tinubu inaugurated the refurbished Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, praising Wike for his contributions to the city’s transformation.
At Wednesday’s event, Tinubu described the new road project as a testament to his administration’s dedication to urban renewal under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He stressed that infrastructure is essential, not optional, for national progress.
“Infrastructure lays the foundation for competitiveness, economic growth, social cohesion, and opportunity. Industrialization depends on good roads,” he said.
Tinubu pledged ongoing investments in roads, railways, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure to unleash Nigeria’s full potential.
He also applauded the smooth relocation and compensation of communities affected by the road projects, expressing gratitude to traditional rulers for their cooperation.
Wike noted that the President’s infrastructure initiatives have instilled confidence among contractors in the FCT, assuring that all ongoing projects will be completed before Tinubu’s third anniversary in office next year.
“We are seeing fierce competition among contractors, many starting work without upfront payments. No contract awarded under the FCT Ministry will be abandoned,” he affirmed.
In a statement, FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu for his steadfast support and commitment to infrastructure development. She also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Assembly, and Wike’s leadership in transforming Abuja.
Meanwhile, Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), gave a technical overview of the Arterial Road N16, a six-lane dual carriageway stretching roughly 3.7 kilometers from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Nicon Junction) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) through Katampe District.
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