- As minister declares coalition against president’s 2027 re-election bid will fail
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike will be warmly welcomed into the All Progressive Congress (APC) whenever he is ready to join, hinting that once he does, they will both share in the sentiment of the popular song, singing “as e dey sweet us, e dey pain them.”
“We have somebody in Nyesome Wike, he’s not a member of my party, not yet, but the day he changes his mind and register with progressive, we will welcome him because we will join him in singing as he dey pain dem, e dey sweet us.”
The declaration came during the commissioning of commissioning of the N16 Shehu Shagari Way from Ring Road 1 Nnamdi Azikwe Way to N20 Wole Soyinka Way, Gishiri, and other roads in Katampe District, Abuja.
President Tinubu used the occasion to highlight the significance of the newly commissioned roads as more than just infrastructure but as a symbol of the government’s dedication to urban renewal under its “Renewed Hope” agenda. He said: “I am honoured to be here with you today to commission yet another critical infrastructure, the arterial road number N16, Shehu Shagari way from Ring Road, Nnamdi Azikiwe to arterial road Number N20, Wole Soyinka way, including an interchange and other roads in Katampe district of the Federal Capital Territory. This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt. It affirms our commitment to urban transformation under our renewed Hope agenda.”
He emphasised that the corridor had been underdeveloped for years despite its importance in Abuja’s master plan. “What was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional and durable infrastructure,” he noted, crediting the leadership of the FCT administration under the Minister for this transformation.
Highlighting the broader importance of infrastructure to national development, the President remarked: “Infrastructure is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration and economic opportunity. We recognize that our nation’s development is linked to the quality of infrastructure connecting people, cities and industries. There’s no way industrialization will flourish without good roads.”
He assured Nigerians of the government’s ongoing investments across multiple sectors, including roads, rail, power, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure, stating, “It is only through this coordinated and integrated development that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. I promise you, we will.”
President Tinubu also praised Wike’s leadership and the collaborative spirit that made the project possible: “Once again, I commend the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team because he could not work alone. He could not achieve this alone without your collaboration. As a team builder, a team player, it is impossible, but you have proved that teamship is the hallmark of good leadership.”
He acknowledged the peaceful relocation and compensation of the Gishiri community affected by the road project: “You (Gishiri community) have been relocated, not that we grabbed the land like any government, we want development, but how well we organize and execute them depends on us. We are there because of the trust you have in us. Thank you very much for your cooperation. We thank you, and we thank the Minister FCT too for relocating your community with peace and good compensation.”
A Call to Protect the New Infrastructure
Tinubu concluded by urging citizens to safeguard the new roads: “The road belongs to the communities as citizens of Abuja and us as the federal government. I urge you to protect it and use it wisely. The government has played its part. We did not ignore you. We did not worry about protest, and I shall commission this road, N16, to the glory of God Almighty.”
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continued development despite political opposition: “I reaffirm our commitment that we will continue to build, we continue to serve the people, no matter how much the naysayers pursue their politics.”
Ending on a hopeful note, the president declared: “To the glory of God, I declare this road commissioned and the benefit of humanity. May God bless the Federal Capital Territory, bless Nigeria, and keep our troops safe. Thank you very much.”
Earlier, has declared that any coalition of political parties aiming to thwart President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 will fail.
He stated, “Some people, whatever you do, will not be happy; many of them were born not to be happy.”
“Under Tinubu, contractors now have confidence in the government. Your good works have killed the coalition in Nigeria.”
Speaking passionately at the event, Wike expressed deep appreciation for the President’s commitment to infrastructure development and governance, emphasizing the tangible progress made under his leadership.
“Mr. President, let me first of all convey the happiness and appreciation of the people of the city. When you came down from the vehicle, you saw how happy people were. That tells you they are appreciate and recognize the good works you are doing,” he said.
He recounted the challenges faced during the road construction, highlighting the government’s resolve to ensure contractors deliver on time without excuses.
“I told the contractors, ‘I don’t want to hear whatever it will take you. If I pay you in the rainy season, you must work in that season. If I pay in the dry season, you must work in that season. Return our money if you cannot work, but we will not keep your money.’”
Wike praised the contractor, CGC, for their dedication and reliability, noting the confidence inspired by the government’s prompt payment and transparent contract management.
“No contractor will take the risk to extend a project before payment approval if they do not trust the government. This confidence is what you have created, Mr. President. Contractors are now competing to work because they know they will be paid on time.”
He also addressed local concerns about road extensions and compensation, revealing that affected communities were paid 200% compensation and given alternative land to ensure smooth project execution.
“I sat down with the chiefs, even though they gave me problems, but when they saw my own problem was genuine, we talked and resolved it. For the first time, they were paid their compensation fully, and that restored their confidence in government,” Wike explained.
Turning to the political landscape, Wike was unequivocal about the strength of President Tinubu’s leadership and the futility of opposition coalitions.
“Your good work has kept coalition together. I was thinking that truly that coalition will fail. When people see what is happening every day, they have no choice but to watch and appreciate the President’s efforts. Coalition is bound to fail.”
He urged the President to continue engaging directly with Nigerians and highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects that would further boost public confidence.
“By Friday, we will go to APO for the 15-kilometer road; by Monday, we will be back with more projects. This is a revolution that is changing the country.”
Wike concluded by saying: “Within eight months, this project is done. God bless you, Mr. President. Thank you.”