Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State will adopt a strategic political approach ahead of the 2027 general elections by aligning with areas where it enjoys the strongest support.
Wike made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja as preparations continue for activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the former Rivers State governor, members of the coalition will carefully evaluate political realities across the state before making electoral decisions.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” Wike said.
The FCT minister also distanced himself from controversies surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, insisting he has no involvement in the party’s internal affairs.
“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” he stated.
Wike further dismissed suggestions linking him to issues outside his political structure.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he added.
Speaking on infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on key projects expected to be commissioned during the anniversary celebrations of President Tinubu’s administration.
He disclosed that contractors handling major road projects had assured the government that all outstanding work, including streetlight installation, would be completed before the end of May.
“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month, they will finish the streetlights, and that is being handled by Green Book and Lubrix,” he said.
The minister noted that the Dutse Alhaji to M5 road project being executed by Lubrix was progressing steadily, while another project handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCCC, had already been completed except for streetlights.
“That road is already completed, and the contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next 10 days, they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” Wike stated.
He also expressed satisfaction with progress on a major bridge project in Abuja.
“You can also see that it is almost completed. The bridge has been launched, and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he added.
Wike described the projects as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and praised the quality of work delivered by contractors.
“Part of these projects fixed by Mr President will be inaugurated. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he said.
On complaints relating to alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, during tax enforcement operations, the minister acknowledged that tax compliance remains a challenge among residents.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” Wike stated.
He, however, noted that no formal complaints had been submitted to the FCT Administration concerning the conduct of AMAC officials.
