The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that his political allies plan to rig the upcoming Area Council elections, asserting that their performance in office is enough to earn public support.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Right Hand Service Carriageway of the Inner Northern Expressway (Ring Road Three to Outer Northern Expressway) on Tuesday, Wike insisted that infrastructure projects—not election manipulation—would determine the 2026 polls.
“Those who are with us have something to show. Let no one cry foul about rigging when they lose. The real rigging is the development we’re delivering—roads, schools, bus terminals,” Wike said.
He challenged opposition parties and candidates to show what they had done for the people, claiming that his political friends had already built strong goodwill through visible service delivery.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently scheduled the next FCT Area Council elections for February 21, 2026, prompting political parties to begin sales of nomination forms and preparations for primaries.
Wike used the event to highlight completed infrastructure as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to FCT development. He revealed that the road project, first awarded in 2014 at N7 billion, was completed in 2024 at a revised cost of N31 billion due to variations.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for providing consistent support to the FCT Administration, saying:
“Road infrastructure is the driver of any economy. Investors won’t come if there are no roads. Mr. President has done well for Abuja’s growth and development.”
The Minister also assured residents that more developmental projects are in the pipeline under the Renewed Hope agenda, urging continued public and presidential support.
