Tinubu Praises Wike’s FCT Performance, Hints at APC Gains Despite Minister’s PDP Status
By IDNN Political Desk | March 31, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praise on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, labeling him “Mr. Infrastructure” while subtly nudging the former Rivers State governor toward a future alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Sunday during a Sallah homage visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu commended Wike’s high-impact leadership in the Federal Capital Territory, while openly expressing hope that Wike’s stellar performance would swing 2027 FCT elections in favor of APC—despite Wike’s official membership in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
‘Mr. Infrastructure’: Tinubu’s Endorsement with a Political Jab
The President’s speech, laced with both admiration and strategic political undertones, highlighted Wike’s achievements, from upgrading public health and education facilities to reviving abandoned projects and opening up rural areas around the FCT.
“I must thank the Honourable Minister of FCT. It’s worth it… When we started, he came up with a lot of good ideas… and things started changing rapidly,” Tinubu said.
In a telling anecdote, Tinubu revealed a private conversation with Wike where the minister requested flexibility from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy to fast-track infrastructure delivery. Tinubu recounted giving his blessing—with a humorous but pointed caveat:
“Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT? I know where you are coming from—your own party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favor, you will lose your job,” Tinubu recalled saying.
Wike’s Balancing Act: Between PDP Loyalty and APC Praise
The political undertones in Tinubu’s remarks will likely stir speculation over Wike’s future party loyalty, especially given his visible alignment with the Tinubu administration despite his PDP roots. Wike has long been a controversial figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, known for his fierce independence, blunt rhetoric, and high-profile power plays during the last general election.
This latest public praise from President Tinubu adds fuel to the narrative that Wike may be tilting closer to a formal cross-carpeting to the APC—or at the very least, playing a sophisticated balancing act for future political leverage.
A Strong Coalition of FCT Stakeholders
The delegation accompanying Wike to the Villa cut across the who’s who of Abuja’s leadership structure: clergy, judicial officers, area council chairmen, royal fathers, heads of security agencies, and top administrative officials.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of this diverse stakeholder representation, praising the collaborative governance under Wike’s stewardship.
“It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory,” the President quipped.
2027 in Sight: Tinubu’s Strategic Messaging
Though veiled in jokes, the President’s remarks send a clear political signal ahead of the 2027 general elections—the APC is eyeing FCT, a historically difficult terrain for the ruling party.
Whether Wike remains in PDP or makes the anticipated switch, Tinubu’s public endorsement marks him as a central figure in shaping Abuja’s political future.