The Traffic

Tinubu’s Achievements Have Derailed Coalition Plans — Wike

By Achimi muktar 

In a fiery declaration that blended praise, politics, and performance, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Wednesday said President Bola Tinubu's achievements have single-handedly dismantled the opposition's bid to form a coalition against him.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly completed Arterial Road N16 in Katampe District, Abuja—part of a sprawling infrastructure rollout in the FCT—Wike declared that the President’s visible strides in service delivery have “killed the coalition” once thought to be a threat to his administration.

“This road was awarded by your administration,” Wike told the President, standing before a crowd of elated residents and public officials. “It is not one of those inherited projects. Your good work has killed the coalition in Nigeria!”

The Arterial Road N16 links Shehu Shagari Way to Wole Soyinka Way and is a critical corridor in Abuja’s long-stalled master plan. Under Wike’s leadership, the project was revived and completed within record time—a feat the President applauded as a symbol of teamwork and renewed national direction.

Beyond the freshly tarred road, the real headline came in Wike’s political commentary. With his usual candour, he took aim at those he believes are bent on criticising Tinubu no matter what.

“There are some people—whatever you do, they will never be happy. They were born not to be happy,” he said, drawing laughter and cheers from the crowd. “My job now is to keep giving them high blood pressure. As e dey pain them, e go dey sweet us.”

Wike’s remarks were as theatrical as they were strategic. As a chieftain of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), his public praise of a sitting APC President—and his damning assessment of any attempted coalition—raises eyebrows and stirs speculation about his next political move.

President Tinubu didn’t hold back either. In a jovial yet calculated response, he extended a political olive branch to Wike, hinting at the possibility of him joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He’s not a member of my party—not yet,” Tinubu quipped. “But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. We’ll enjoy singing together: ‘As e dey pain them, e dey sweet us.’”

The President praised Wike's leadership as exemplary, crediting his teamwork and no-nonsense project management style for helping deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to using infrastructure as a tool for economic growth and national unity.

Wike, never one to shy away from the spotlight, revealed that his firm approach has re-energised contractors, many of whom now commence work even before mobilisation fees are paid.

“They have confidence in this administration. Nobody is afraid of being owed anymore,” he said. “By your third year in office, almost every project you’ve awarded will be completed. No abandonment. No variation.”

He also lauded construction giant CGC for their work, noting that initial skepticism had turned into trust after successful delivery of key interchanges and road links in the FCT.

While the road project may seem like just another ribbon-cutting ceremony, the underlying political messaging was impossible to ignore. With 2027 slowly creeping onto the horizon, both Wike and Tinubu seem to be setting the stage—perhaps for a new political alignment.

And as Wike put it in his final jab at opposition forces watching from afar:
“If they turn to ADBN, they’re watching Mr. President. TVC? Mr. President. Channels? Mr. President. Even Arise, it’s Mr. President. Seventeen days of watching him—they have no choice. Coalition is bound to fail. And it has failed.”

The Arterial Road N16 may be concrete and asphalt, but on this day, it also served as a platform for political realignment, public validation, and an unmistakable show of strength.

And if Wike's words are anything to go by, the message is clear: "You can protest. You can plot. But if performance is the currency, Tinubu has already paid in full."