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• defends Tinubu’s reforms
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has faulted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its reaction to the court judgment that removed the David Mark-led National Working Committee, accusing opposition politicians of prioritising political battles and personal ambitions over governance and public welfare.
Wike, who criticised opposition elements over their persistent attacks on political and judicial developments, said political parties should serve as vehicles for development rather than platforms for endless leadership disputes and power struggles.
The minister spoke on Monday at a town hall interactive meeting with political stakeholders, traditional rulers and residents of Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
Although he did not directly address the details of the court judgment, Wike questioned the rationale behind the opposition’s approach to politics, insisting that politicians should focus on delivering tangible benefits to the people rather than engaging in unnecessary confrontations.
“Isn’t it that a party is a vehicle that you enter intentionally to go where you are going? When you get there, you talk about development, you talk about good governance, and how you can bring welfare to your people,” he said.
The FCT minister commended political leaders and council chairmen across party lines in the territory for agreeing to work together in the interest of residents, arguing that political differences should not stand in the way of development.
He also dismissed what he described as media-driven criticism and political posturing by opposition figures, including former national leaders, saying such activities had not translated into meaningful development for the FCT.
Wike urged residents to reject politicians who only become active during election periods to make promises, insisting that performance and measurable achievements should determine political support.
Defending the administration of President Bola Tinubu, the minister said the Federal Government had taken decisive steps to strengthen the FCT’s institutional and administrative structures, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointment of an indigenous Head of Service and removal of the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
He described the measures as significant reforms that had expanded the FCT’s administrative autonomy and created opportunities for greater participation by its indigenous population.
According to him, the administration was also determined to complete abandoned road projects, expand infrastructure and improve political representation for residents of the territory.
“There is no need to be fighting. For the interest of the people, for the interest of FCT—that is what we are talking about,” he said.
Wike assured stakeholders that the administration would remain focused on delivering infrastructure and institutional reforms, even where such decisions required taking difficult positions.
The meeting was attended by the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Nuhu Daniel Kwali; the Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III; councillors and representatives of traditional institutions and communities across the six FCT area councils.
