ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would welcome Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, should he choose to join the ruling party.
The president made the comment during the inauguration of the newly completed Shehu Shagari Way and other infrastructure projects in the Katampe district of Abuja.
“He [Wike] is not a member of my party — not yet. But the day he changes his mind and joins the progressives, we’ll welcome him with open arms,” Tinubu stated.
The president’s remarks come amid speculation about Wike’s political future and alignments, as discussions intensify around the 2027 general elections and possible opposition coalitions.
Though a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Wike has maintained close working ties with the Tinubu administration since his appointment as FCT minister.
Highlighting the significance of the road infrastructure, Tinubu described the Shehu Shagari Way as “critical” to the capital’s urban development plan.
“This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, this administration has been guided by a philosophy anchored on reform and regeneration. Today, we have seen tangible proof of that philosophy in action,” he said.
He noted that the Shehu Shagari Way corridor had long been underdeveloped despite its prominence in Abuja’s master plan.
“What was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional and durable infrastructure,” Tinubu added.
“This road will ease traffic congestion around central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi and Mabushi.”
The president reiterated his administration’s focus on infrastructure as the foundation for national development.
“Infrastructure is not logic. It is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration and economic opportunity,” he said.
“There’s no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads. We are investing in roads, rail, power, health care, education and digital infrastructure.”
In his remarks, Wike dismissed efforts by opposition leaders to build a political coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said such alliances would not succeed.
“Any coalition of political parties plotting to seize power in 2027 will crumble,” Wike declared.
In recent months, political leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai have held exploratory talks on the formation of a united front to challenge the APC in 2027.
Wike, however, suggested such plans were destined to fail, reinforcing his position within the Tinubu-led federal cabinet and his influence in ongoing national political calculations.
