The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has urged residents to use the forthcoming 2027 general elections to elect leaders capable of sustaining and expanding infrastructure development in the territory.

Wike made the call in his Independence Day message to FCT residents on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the FCT Administration remained committed to transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city through investments in modern infrastructure and improved public services.

According to him, Abuja symbolises Nigeria’s unity, with people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds living and working together in the territory.

Wike said the FCT Administration had invested heavily in critical infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, as part of efforts to extend development beyond the city centre to communities across the territory.

He said road projects had reached rural communities and included drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights, adding that the interventions were intended to improve accessibility and address security concerns in areas far from the city centre.

The minister also disclosed that ultramodern bus terminals had been constructed in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, with similar facilities planned for Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada.

He said the administration was also improving access to healthcare and education across the six area councils, stressing that a healthy and educated population was essential for sustainable development.

On security, Wike said the FCT Administration was working with security agencies to protect residents, adding that surveillance had been intensified while community policing and modern technology were being deployed to combat crime.

Against this background, he urged residents to regard the 2027 elections as an opportunity to elect leaders who would sustain and expand the infrastructure development underway in the FCT.

Wike also called on residents to remain law-abiding and protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

He urged continued peaceful coexistence among residents, stressing the need for tolerance and unity as Nigeria moves forward.

The minister thanked residents for their cooperation and support for the FCT Administration, while wishing the territory and the country continued peace and prosperity.