President Bola Tinubu has once again commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for extending infrastructure development to Abuja’s satellite towns, saying that governance must benefit all residents and not only those living in the city centre.

Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed speculations about the possible defection of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the former governor of Rivers State remains a loyal and committed member of the opposition party.

Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of Phase One of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway yesterday, said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and grassroots transformation.

The president noted that for decades, communities in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and other satellite towns suffered poor road infrastructure, insecurity and limited economic opportunities. However, he expressed satisfaction that the narrative was changing through targeted interventions by the FCT Administration.

In his remarks directed at Wike, Tinubu said: “I gave you an instruction when I appointed you: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just for those in Maitama and Asokoro.

“You have taken Renewed Hope to the grassroots. From judicial quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you are proving that development must not be selective. You heard the cries of satellite communities, and you responded. That is leadership. Well done, Honourable Minister.”

Describing the newly completed seven-kilometre dual carriageway as more than just a road project, the president said the infrastructure would improve security, facilitate commerce and enhance the quality of life for residents of the area.

According to him, the road, fitted with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and drainage facilities, serves as a strategic economic corridor linking Abuja to three area councils, while providing an important route to Southern Nigeria.

Tinubu added that the project would unlock the agricultural potential of the area, open up new residential districts and make movement safer for residents.

Earlier, Wike disclosed that the road project emerged directly from consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups across the six area councils shortly after he assumed office in August 2023.

Stating that the administration deliberately departed from the practice of deciding projects from offices in Abuja without consulting intended beneficiaries, he recalled that during one of the stakeholder engagements in Kuje, the traditional ruler identified poor road infrastructure as a major contributor to insecurity and economic hardship in the area.

However, the minister added that a subsequent inspection of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road before recommending it for approval revealed the immense agricultural potential of communities along the corridor and strengthened the case for immediate intervention.

Nevertheless, in a statement yesterday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party said the APC should abandon any hopes of permanently attracting Wike into its fold, describing him as one of the party’s most valuable political assets who is “not for sale.”

The statement was a response to recent remarks by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who publicly praised Wike’s performance as FCT minister during the commissioning of a major project in Abuja. According to the PDP, the commendation amounted to an acknowledgement of the quality of leadership and competence that the PDP continues to offer Nigeria through its members.

While welcoming such accolades from the ruling party, the PDP stressed that Wike’s service in Tinubu’s administration should not be misconstrued as evidence of a political realignment but a demonstration of the calibre of leadership the party has consistently produced over the years.

The party argued that Wike’s performance serves as evidence that the PDP remains a reservoir of competent and result-oriented leaders capable of delivering effective governance when entrusted with public office.