Wike: Those Who Criticised Me Are Now Joining APC

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has mocked his political critics, saying many of those who once condemned him for aligning with President Bola Tinubu are now defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the flag-off of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Ring Road 2 along Wassa Road in Abuja.

The minister’s comments came just a day after Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC — a move that further underscores recent political realignments.

“I have been watching on television and social media, those who accused me of destabilising the PDP and working for APC; all of them are now in APC.
If it is true I worked for APC, then they should commend me, not condemn me. It means I did a good job for them,” Wike said.

Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike praised the administration’s economic reforms — particularly the removal of fuel subsidy — which he said had significantly improved the financial stability of states and the FCT.

“I was a governor for eight years, and I know what it meant to run around banks to borrow money for projects and even to pay salaries.
But today, by the decisive leadership of Mr President, banks are now the ones running after states. Salaries are being paid, projects are being executed, and no governor is talking about leaving huge debts for successors. That is visionary leadership,” he stated.

Wike said the ongoing infrastructure transformation in Abuja was a direct reflection of President Tinubu’s “purposeful and result-driven leadership.”

“Whatever we are saying today in FCT is as a result of that leadership. Once you set the standard, everyone you appoint must follow suit,” he added.

On the planned relocation of Apo traders, the minister disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had concluded cost assessments for infrastructure development at the new site, assuring that the plan remained on course.

Speaking on the importance of the OSEX project, Wike noted that it would significantly ease traffic congestion into the city.

“Before the Apo–Wassa road was done, it took hours to enter the city. It was horrible. But gradually, we are delivering happiness to the people of the FCT,” he said.

The minister also commended FCT Area Council chairmen for supporting his administration across party lines, describing such cooperation as “unprecedented.”

Also in attendance at the event was former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, whom Wike described as “a brother” and a passionate supporter of youth empowerment initiatives in Abuja.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as “a bold step toward easing traffic flow, stimulating economic growth, and improving mobility for residents.”

She lauded President Tinubu for “constantly reminding Nigerians that progress is not just in policy but in the visible transformation of lives and communities,” and praised Wike for turning the FCT into “a construction powerhouse and a beacon of national renewal.”

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