2027: Don’t Bring Back Failed Leaders, Wike Tells Residents

…Begins Old Keffi Road Rehabilitation

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged residents against returning politicians who failed to deliver during their time in office.

Wike’s appeal came on Tuesday while inaugurating the rehabilitation of the 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei, awarded to Lubrik Construction Company.

“Do not pay attention to those who had opportunities to contribute to Abuja’s development in the past but failed to deliver. We gave them a first chance, they failed. We gave them a second chance, they failed again. If we make the mistake of giving them a third chance, they will destroy everything,” he warned.

The minister disclosed that more projects would be launched in the coming days as part of the FCT’s aggressive infrastructure renewal programme.

“In the coming days, we will continue with more project kick-offs. Tomorrow, we’ll begin another one; on Thursday, another. In total, we have 27 lined up — something that has never happened before in Abuja. This is the first time, and it’s happening under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Wike said.

He urged the construction company to employ local residents to ensure that the community benefits economically from the project.

“I also urge the construction company to employ local youths, men, and women from this community, either through direct employment or subcontracts, so they can support their families,” he said.

“To the glory of God, we begin the rehabilitation of this 15-kilometer road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei,” the minister added.

Wike said commencement of Old Keffi Road rehabilitation was in fulfilment of a promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to residents and traders in the area.

Quoting him, “Today we are here to begin the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei. When Mr. President assumed office in 2023 and appointed his ministers, one of the emergency road projects he immediately approved was the Saburi 1 and Saburi 2 roads.”

He explained that the completion of the Saburi roads had set the stage for the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi corridor, which he had earlier promised residents during the commissioning of the Saburi projects.

“You will recall that when we commissioned those roads, I said they could only be complete if this Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei was also rehabilitated. Today, to the glory of God, we are here to fulfil that promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.

The minister commended Lubrik Construction for its previous quality work and capacity, which earned it the contract for this new project.

He also praised the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, for his active representation of his people.

“When we commissioned the Saburi Road, I called on Chairman Maikalangu to tell us what his people still needed from the government,” Wike recalled, adding that “He mentioned this same Old Keffi Road, as well as the Ketti–Kabusa and Kabusa–Takushara roads. That is what true representation means, choosing people who understand your needs and are committed to pursuing them.”

Wike described Maikalangu as “a true representative of his people,” and urged residents to continue supporting him and the Tinubu administration for continuity and sustained development.

“By the time this road is completed, you will see the transformation it brings. This is a government that makes promises and fulfills them,” the minister stated.

He highlighted ongoing educational and infrastructural projects within the FCT, noting that 73 out of 103 schools are currently under rehabilitation, with 33 more about to begin.

“Out of 105 projects, 73 are within AMAC and the city. So, don’t be deceived by people who come with empty stories. Seeing is believing. You can see the results for yourselves,” he said.

In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Bola Tinubu for his support for infrastructure renewal and for prioritizing projects that directly impact ordinary citizens.

She described the project as another demonstration of the president’s vision to deliver roads that promote connectivity, accessibility, and economic growth in the FCT.

“This road is a lifeline that serves thousands of commuters daily, linking communities, reducing travel time, improving road safety, and stimulating socio-economic activities across the axis,” Mahmoud said.

She also praised Wike for his “purposeful leadership and commitment to ensuring that every community in the FCT feels the impact of government.”