Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu‘s leadership, stating he is “happy to be identified” with it, following an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, including the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) II to Wassa and the Gishiri Interchange, per Punch and Daily Trust. Wike lauded Tinubu’s “first-class infrastructure” under the Renewed Hope Agenda, asserting, “Abuja has really changed,” and credited the President for delivering democratic dividends to FCT residents. “I don’t see why anybody would say that Mr. President has not done well. Except you are just blind,” he told journalists, dismissing critics of Tinubu’s achievements, per Naija News.
Wike outlined a two-week inauguration schedule starting next week to mark Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, highlighting projects like the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), the Greater Abuja Water Supply project, the OSEX to Wassa Junction, the N5 road by Julius Berger, and various roads in satellite towns and the city, per Punch. The AICC’s ₦39 billion renovation, noted on March 13, 2025, aims to restore it as a world-class facility, while the water project targets improved supply to satellite towns, a priority Wike emphasized after inspections on May 9, per Leadership and X posts from @MobilePunch. He expressed confidence in contractors’ timelines, stating, “We are satisfied with the level of work,” and thanked Tinubu for support, per Voice of Nigeria.
The Gishiri Interchange, connecting Maitama and Katampe to Wole Soyinka Way, and the OSEX service lane, constructed by CGC, are among high-impact projects set for May completion, per Daily Trust and National Accord. Wike’s frequent inspections, including earlier visits to the N5 extension and Gishiri on April 14 and 24, underscore his commitment to keeping contractors “on their toes,” as he noted on April 16, per Daily Post. His administration’s 95% execution of the 2024 capital budget, reported on April 14, reflects unprecedented project delivery, per National Accord.
Public sentiment on X is mixed: @GovWike’s May 10 post on inspecting the N5 and AICC garnered praise from @only1topboyy for infrastructure gains, but critics like @RealOlaudah on April 5 labeled the Tinubu-Wike alliance a “ruthless pragmatism” threatening democracy, per. Wike’s alignment with Tinubu, evident since his 2023 appointment despite PDP roots, has drawn scrutiny, with Tinubu jokingly warning on March 31 that PDP gains in the FCT could oust Wike, per Punch. Amid economic challenges like 24.23% inflation, Wike’s focus on visible projects aligns with Tinubu’s infrastructure push, per Vanguard, but faces skepticism over broader governance impacts, per Daily Post.
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