How President Tinubu is redrawing the South-East political map, By Tunde Rahman

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared that his administration's infrastructure achievements will serve as the foundation for supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Speaking during inspections of key road projects in Abuja, Wike emphasized that tangible results, not political slogans, will define the campaign strategy for the upcoming elections. He stated that the FCT's progress on major infrastructure initiatives will continue unabated even as electoral preparations intensify. Wike visited two significant road projects: the Arterial Road N16, which connects Jahi with Gwarimpa and Karsana via Ring Road 11 and Ring Road III, and the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki-Zuba road, which links the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. During these visits, he reiterated that the FCT has already delivered substantial infrastructure improvements and that these accomplishments will form the core of the campaign message for Tinubu. “Our campaign is built on performance,” Wike said. “We have made promises and kept them. People want to see a report card, not empty rhetoric. In the FCT, we have presented our record, and we are confident of winning any election when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) schedules it.” Regarding the Arterial Road N16, Wike noted that the contractor had committed to completing the road by January, which he linked to the opening of the Gwarimpa axis. He assured that the administration would provide the necessary funding to ensure the project meets its deadline. At the Tunga Madaki-Zuba site, Wike acknowledged the contractor’s ability to maintain progress despite delays caused by rain, highlighting their focus on drainage construction. He also confirmed approval for the relocation of electricity poles to accommodate streetlight installations. Wike expressed confidence that the contractor would receive prompt payment upon his return to the office, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the pace and quality of work across the territory. His comments reflect a broader effort to highlight the FCT’s contributions to national development and position them as a key asset in the campaign for Tinubu’s re-election. In another development, Wike highlighted the impact of new road infrastructure on real estate growth in Abuja. Inspecting the access road to the FCT Fire Service Station in Kaura District, he noted that real estate developers were capitalizing on improved connectivity, leading to rapid construction activity in the area. This project includes the development of a collector road, two local streets, and a minor access road aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic opportunities. Wike described the access road as strategically vital, stating that its completion would transform the area’s landscape and stimulate economic activity in surrounding neighborhoods. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made since his last visit, particularly with the successful completion of the bridge structure. While the initial segment of the road connects to the newly completed bridge, Wike instructed the contractor to extend the project to Oladipo Diya Way, ensuring its full utility. Despite the added workload, the contractor remains optimistic about meeting the December deadline for project completion. Wike reaffirmed his support for the contractor, pledging to process payments promptly to sustain progress and ensure timely delivery of the infrastructure project. Turning to the stalled Millennium Tower project, Wike revealed that the estimated cost to complete the structure ranges between ₦300 billion and ₦400 billion. He stressed that this amount is too large for the FCT Administration to handle alone, suggesting that the project should be reclassified as a national initiative rather than being funded solely from the FCT’s statutory budget. Wike explained that the Millennium Tower, originally awarded during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, should be considered a national monument with significant tourism potential. However, he warned that allocating such a vast sum to the project would force the abandonment of other critical infrastructure developments in Abuja. He mentioned ongoing discussions with President Tinubu regarding the possibility of reclassifying the project as a national endeavor. “We are still talking to the President that we should reconsider it as a national project,” Wike said. He emphasized that the current state of the Millennium Tower, a long-abandoned eyesore, calls for urgent strategic intervention from the presidency. Meanwhile, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement in the South-East, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, has called on residents of the region to support Tinubu in the 2027 general election. Accompanied by Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, Nweze highlighted the transformative impact of recent infrastructure developments in the South-East, including extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects that have significantly improved living conditions. She described the scale of infrastructure development under Tinubu’s administration as unprecedented, reflecting the president’s deep commitment to the region. Nweze urged residents to vote overwhelmingly for Tinubu in the 2027 election to sustain the ongoing development efforts across the South-East. Nweze also praised the superhighway project spanning several states, including Ebonyi, as a transformative initiative that would enhance economic growth and connectivity. She noted that the project would facilitate trade, transportation, and stronger inter-community links across the country. Additionally, Nweze commended Tinubu for the progress on the Ndibe Bridge and other major federal highways in the region. She encouraged students in the South-East to utilize the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to pursue higher education, emphasizing the program’s role in expanding educational opportunities and reducing financial barriers. Nweze also lauded Senator Umahi for his close supervision of federal road projects and his commitment to ensuring timely execution nationwide. She recalled past challenges faced by motorists on the Afikpo-Okigwe Federal Highway due to poor road conditions and security concerns, expressing gratitude for the improvements achieved through Umahi’s interventions.