Abuja – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the emerging “rainbow coalition” in Rivers State will adopt a targeted strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, focusing on constituencies where it enjoys political strength. Wike made the comments on Monday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the capital as authorities prepare for events marking the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to reporters on the site of several road and bridge works, Wike explained that coalition members will first assess the political landscape across Rivers State before deciding how to cast their votes. “That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also distanced himself from the internal screening process of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. He affirmed he is not a member of the APC and has no knowledge of the party’s aspirant selection. “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,” Wike said, adding that speculation linking him to party affairs outside his political circle was unfounded. “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.
On the infrastructure front, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on several projects slated for inauguration during the Tinubu third‑anniversary celebrations. Contractors handling key road works have promised to complete outstanding tasks, including street‑light installations, 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 highlighted progress on the Dutse‑Alhaji‑to‑M5 road, which is being executed by Lubrix, and noted that a separate road project undertaken by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) is already complete, pending final street‑light fitting. “The contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next ten days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” Wike said.
A major bridge in Abuja, which will link traffic to the Kubwa area, is also near completion. “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,” the minister added. He attributed these achievements to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and praised the quality of work delivered by the contractors.
Addressing complaints that officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) were harassing residents during tax‑collection drives, Wike said that tax compliance remains a challenge. “There must be a civilized 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,” he remarked. He noted, however, that no formal complaints have been lodged with the FCT administration regarding AMAC’s conduct.
Wike’s remarks underscore the dual focus of Rivers State politics and FCT development as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle and commemorates three years of President Tinubu’s tenure. The upcoming elections and the scheduled infrastructure inaugurations are likely to shape both regional political alignments and the capital’s urban landscape.
