The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the emerging “rainbow coalition” in Rivers State would adopt a strategic political approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike stated that members of the coalition would align with areas where they possess political advantage in order to maximise their electoral strength.
The former Rivers State governor spoke while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja as preparations continue for activities marking the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the coalition would carefully assess political realities across the state before taking major electoral decisions.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at areas where we are strong, compare notes and vote accordingly,” Wike said.
The minister also dismissed speculations linking him to the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, insisting that he was not a member of the ruling party and had no role in its internal affairs.
“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening process. Even if they release the outcome, it is not my business to comment,” he stated.
Wike further distanced himself from political rumours surrounding developments in the state, saying he would only speak on matters directly concerning him.
“I am not a prophet or a native doctor. I only talk about issues that concern me,” he added.
On infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing work expected to be inaugurated during the administration’s anniversary celebrations.
He disclosed that contractors handling major road projects had assured the government that pending works, including streetlight installations, would be completed before the end of May.
Wike said the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road project being executed by Lubrix was progressing steadily, while another road project handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had been substantially completed.
“That road is already completed, and the contractor has promised to finish the streetlights within the next 10 days. We are satisfied with the progress,” he said.
The minister also commended the level of work done on a major bridge project in Abuja, noting that the structure was nearing completion.
“The bridge has already been launched, and work is ongoing to connect traffic towards Kubwa. It is a remarkable project,” he added.
Describing the projects as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, Wike praised contractors handling the jobs for delivering quality work.
He also reacted to complaints over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council during tax enforcement operations, stressing that many residents were reluctant to fulfil their tax obligations.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but the truth is that many people do not like paying taxes,” the minister said.
He, however, noted that no formal complaint had been officially lodged with the FCT Administration regarding the conduct of AMAC officials.
