Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The wave of defections by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared on Wednesday that has vindicated his steadfast support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration from the beginning.
Speaking during the flag-off of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja on October 15, Wike recalled how critics once accused him of working against the PDP by backing the APC. “I have been watching daily on television and social media. The same people who said I wanted to destabilise the PDP and that I was working for the APC are all now in the APC. So, if that’s true, they should commend me for doing a good job in paving the way for them,” he said.
Wike pointed to recent defections, including those of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri along with 19 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, as evidence that many have embraced President Tinubu’s “visionary and pragmatic leadership.”
He highlighted that the removal of the fuel subsidy by Tinubu, a bold step avoided by previous administrations, has enabled states and the FCT to meet salary payments and fund infrastructure projects without reliance on bank loans. “Today, because of the leadership of one man, banks are the ones running to states,” Wike noted.
Other News
The minister stressed how the financial turnaround under Tinubu’s leadership has ended the cycle of states running into debt for successors, underscoring the boldness of the current administration. “No state government can now claim it cannot pay salaries or embark on development projects. That is leadership,” he said.
On the infrastructural front, Wike confirmed that the Outer Southern Expressway project aimed at decongesting Abuja’s traffic is a fulfilment of promises made under Tinubu’s leadership and highlighted progress on the relocation of Apo traders to improved facilities in Wasa. He praised the unprecedented cooperation among FCT area council chairmen across political divides, emphasising it as the unity needed to propel the territory forward.
Wike also hinted at youth development plans involving former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, and urged the public to acknowledge visionary leadership regardless of political affiliation. “When you see leadership that is purposeful and visionary, you must acknowledge it. That’s what the country needs now—decisive, bold leadership that delivers results,” he concluded.
The Outer Southern Expressway, designed as a 10-lane road connecting key districts in Abuja, promises to significantly ease traffic and enhance mobility, marking a visible testament to the administration’s commitment to development under President Tinubu.
