APC Chieftain Advises Wike: Focus on FCT Governance, Staff Welfare, Not Political Brawls

An influential figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yakubu Sani, has strongly advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to channel his energy into effective governance and the well-being of workers in Abuja, rather than engaging in confrontations with political adversaries. Sani, who founded the Arewa Mandate Alliance, released a statement on Sunday, emphasizing that Wike's primary focus should be on executing the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu and enhancing the quality of life for FCT residents.

The APC chieftain particularly urged the minister to broaden his developmental approach beyond constructing roads and bridges. He highlighted the necessity of addressing the welfare of educators, healthcare professionals, and civil servants, alongside tackling pressing issues like insufficient water supply, disorderly vehicle parking, and waste management across the capital city.

Sani drew a parallel, stating, "Wike should learn from Uzodimma. The Imo governor is working and organising quietly without abusing anybody. He is concentrating on governance, delivering projects and organising the largest support base for the President." He reiterated his call for Wike to remain dedicated to fulfilling the President's vision for the FCT and improving the living standards of its inhabitants.

"Every road and bridge commissioned in Abuja should be an opportunity to talk about development, not an occasion to abuse or denigrate perceived obstacles to his unbridled and rabid political ambition," Sani remarked. He cautioned that Wike's increasingly aggressive political statements could overshadow the infrastructure development initiatives being undertaken by the Tinubu administration. Sani suggested that the projects completed under Wike’s supervision should be the testament to his performance, rather than using commissioning events as forums for political spats.

Furthermore, the APC leader advised Wike to expand his development agenda beyond physical infrastructure to include ensuring consistent water provision and collaborating with taxi operators to enhance traffic order and discipline throughout Abuja. He stressed, "While Wike is building roads and bridges, he should also be asking what is happening to the welfare of teachers, healthcare workers and civil servants in the FCT."

Sani pointed out critical deficiencies, stating, "Many FCT residents don’t have water, while motorists compete with refuse dumps for space on major roads in the city. This leads to obstruction as vehicles are parked indiscriminately on motorways." He continued, "You cannot build beautiful roads and bridges and ignore the people who teach our children, treat our sick and run the machinery of the government. Their welfare should also be a priority."

Underscoring the importance of focus, Sani concluded, "President Tinubu gave Wike a job to do in Abuja. He should concentrate on that job. Let the quality of his work speak for him instead of using every commissioning ceremony to attack APC governors who are committed to Tinubu’s re-election." He added that demonstrating effective governance, as opposed to political confrontation, would significantly boost Wike's political standing as the FCT minister.

Despite being a People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader serving in an APC-led federal government, Minister Wike has been actively promoting a "Rainbow Coalition" in Rivers State, aimed at supporting President Tinubu's re-election prospects for 2027. Wike recently accused Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodimma, of orchestrating some of the political difficulties he faces. He attributed their opposition to the growing influence of his coalition and its support for candidates challenging APC nominees in gubernatorial and senatorial contests.

In response, Governor Uzodimma, who chairs the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum, affirmed that APC governors would not endorse any alliance that could jeopardize Tinubu's re-election or weaken the party before 2027. He insisted that they would actively campaign for all APC candidates at every level. However, Wike has consistently maintained that his support for Tinubu's presidential ambition does not obligate him to back APC candidates in other elections, asserting his freedom to support candidates of his choice amidst ongoing tensions with some APC governors.