According to a report by Punch on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his recent assessment of the current administration.
The minister made his position known on Thursday while addressing journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Kuje.
The visit formed part of his routine supervision of development projects across the territory, where he also took time to respond to political comments made by opposition figures.
During the inspection, Wike reacted to remarks previously made by Atiku Abubakar on national television concerning the performance of the government led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former vice president had raised concerns about the level of economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians and questioned whether current policies were effectively addressing these challenges.
In response, Wike dismissed the criticism and argued that such assessments did not reflect the progress being recorded in key sectors, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister pointed to ongoing infrastructure developments as evidence of what he described as visible improvements under the current administration.
He highlighted road construction, urban renewal efforts, and other public works being carried out across different districts of the FCT.
According to him, these projects are part of a broader plan to improve living conditions and expand access to essential services for residents.
He indicated that regular inspections are conducted to ensure that contractors meet expected standards and timelines.
Wike also challenged Atiku Abubakar to assess developments in the FCT based on observable changes over time.
He noted that the former vice president resides within the territory and is therefore in a position to compare past and present conditions.
By making this point, the minister suggested that the impact of ongoing projects can be evaluated through direct observation rather than relying solely on political commentary.
His remarks reflected a broader effort to highlight tangible developments as a measure of government performance.
The exchange between the two political figures comes amid continuing debates about governance, economic policy, and public welfare in Nigeria.
While Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current policies, the administration, through officials such as Nyesom Wike, maintains that progress is being made in critical areas.
The Federal Capital Territory has remained a focal point in these discussions, given its role as the administrative centre of the country and a key site for infrastructure development.
He said, “At a certain age, one should be able to look at facts objectively. He lives in the FCT; let him compare the FCT of today to the eight years when he was Vice President.”
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