The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that those accusing his friends of rigging Area Council elections have nothing to show and campaign with.
The Minister stated this on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the Right Hand Service Carriageway of the Inner Northern Expressway from Ring Road Three to Outer Northern Expressway.
The PUNCH reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the Area Council elections have been scheduled for February 21, 2026.
Following the announcement, parties announced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for chairmanship and councillorship seats, as well as scheduled dates for primary elections.
Speaking during the inauguration, Wike said his friends could show the people roads and other projects that have been inaugurated within FCT communities, urging other contestants not to allege rigging when they had lost.
“Those who want to run elections in the area council, I don’t know what they will preach to the people. But those who are with us, they have the opportunity to tell people what we have done. So let people not waste their money. The result is known by what we have shown you.
“So, not when you fail, you say you were rigged. Look at the rigging here now. The project is the rigging. When you provide what the people want, everything is gone. So those of you who are my friends, I don’t know where you are running, but my friends, we will come out and tell the people, look at the roads, look at the bus terminals, look at the schools,” he said.
The Minister also stated that the road project, originally awarded in 2014 at N7bn, was completed at the sum of N31bn after variation.
While appreciating the president for his unwavering support, Wike described road infrastructure as the driver of economic growth, noting that such infrastructure attracted investors.
“Road infrastructure is the driver of any economic growth. Investors will come when there are roads. If there are no roads, no investor will come because the idea is not to come and do roads for you. You have to provide the basic infrastructure.
“And that’s why we continue to thank Mr. President. We are telling Nigerians that Mr. President has done quite well for the people of Abuja and for the development of Abuja. So, we pray that you continue to support us the way you have supported us. Do not relent, because we cannot do anything if you are not giving us any support,” the minister stated.
