By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that significant development is ongoing in Abuja under the current administration.
Wike spoke on Thursday, during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Kuje and other parts of the FCT, where he defended the pace of work under the Bola Tinubu administration.
He challenged Atiku to compare past and present developments in the territory.
“Let him compare the FCT of today to the eight years when he was Vice President. We have been here for less than three years, yet the transformation is visible,” Wike said.
Responding to Atiku’s claim that Nigerians are not feeling the impact of government policies, Wike described the comment as unfair, arguing that ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital demonstrate progress.
The minister also referenced past political criticisms of Atiku, suggesting that his record in public office should inform how his comments are received.
Wike further dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress that the FCT Administration attempted to disrupt its national convention, describing the claims as false.
“I don’t even know where Rainbow Event Center is. If there was no interference and there was none those spreading falsehoods will be held accountable,” he said.
On opposition politics, Wike downplayed emerging political alliances, saying they lack the structure to pose a serious challenge to the ruling party.
He urged opposition leaders to focus on strengthening their internal organisation rather than criticising government performance.
