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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) split, insisting the opposition party stands united ahead of its national convention despite internal grumbles.
Speaking to reporters after an on-the-spot inspection of major infrastructure sites across Abuja, Wike brushed off faction talk with characteristic bluntness. “We have only one PDP, no faction. I don’t know which camp you are talking about. I don’t know whether any other camp exists. As far as I am concerned, there is only one PDP and it will be incorrect to suggest otherwise. Some individuals may not be happy, but that does not translate to faction,” he declared, waving away suggestions of irreparable rifts.
While acknowledging outreach from aggrieved party members, Wike framed reconciliation as an ongoing process, not evidence of division. “Yes, some individuals have reached out to say ‘let bygone be bygone,’ but that does not mean there is any faction. Reconciliation can still go on even as the convention proceeds,” he added.
Noting that every process has its timeline, the Minister pointed out that party primaries were scheduled to commence from April 23 to May 13, in line with the Electoral Act and the Independent Electoral Commission’s guidelines. “This timeline leaves little room for delays.”
He said discussions on reconciliation were ongoing with the PDP National Convention coming up on March 29 and 30.
The Minister, however, clarified that holding the convention does not necessarily preclude reconciliation, adding that discussions could continue after the convention.
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During the tour of key projects, he showcased the FCT Administration’s aggressive push under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. At the bustling bridge site near the Fire Service, the former Rivers State governor lavished praise on contractors. “From what we have seen, it is a very quality job. I commend the company,” he said, projecting completion within five months.
The N5 road, handled by Julius Berger, drew equal thumbs-up. “It has been completed and will be inaugurated as part of activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu,” Wike announced, tying the milestone to national celebrations.
At the Nigerian Law School, Wike inspected new 10 staff bungalows – fully furnished and move-in ready. He hailed it as a game-changer: “This is the first time a government is providing this kind of infrastructure for the Nigerian Law School.” The upgrades, he explained, tackle chronic accommodation woes, paving the way for higher student intake.
Wike nodded approval at the female hostel but fired a warning over the male counterpart. “I am not impressed with the level of work there. They were awarded at the same time and should be at the same level,” he snapped. Contractors promised October-November handover, a timeline Wike grudgingly accepted.
On funding, Wike unpacked the FCT’s formula for results: ironclad commitment over cash flows. “It is not about money, it is about commitment. You can have all the money and achieve nothing if there is no discipline,” he stressed. He said the administration leans on internally generated revenue, awarding only funded ventures. “Projects we do not have funds for, we do not award them,” he affirmed.
He credited President Tinubu’s backing as the secret behind the administration’s success.
