The Centre for Democratic Integrity and Leadership (CDIL) has praised Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his performance in office, absolving him of any misconduct regarding land administration in Abuja.
This commendation follows recent allegations suggesting Wike improperly allocated thousands of hectares of land to his son, Joaquin Wike—claims the CDIL dismissed as baseless, politically motivated, and lacking credibility.
Speaking in Abuja, CDIL representative Comrade Kelvin Kuhwa described the accusations as “reckless” and without substance, emphasizing Wike’s “remarkable leadership and administrative discipline” since taking office. He credited Wike with driving substantial improvements in Abuja’s infrastructure and urban management.
Among Wike’s accomplishments, Kuhwa cited the successful renovation of the International Conference Centre—now the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre—the launch of intra-city rail and bus terminals, and extensive roadworks in underserved areas like Lokogoma, Galadimawa, Jahi, and Karmo. According to CDIL, these developments reflect Wike’s commitment to inclusive growth and infrastructure renewal.
The group also noted Wike’s reforms in land administration, which include revoking dormant and illegally acquired land and reallocating them to parties ready to put them to productive use.
Responding to the claims involving Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd, a company linked to Wike’s son, CDIL stressed that there is no legal restriction on awarding land to a duly registered company based on its directors’ identities—as long as due process is observed. CDIL affirmed that proper procedures were followed in this case.
CDIL argued that the allegations are part of a broader smear campaign by individuals and groups who benefited from the previous system of favoritism and are resisting Wike’s reform agenda.
The statement concluded:
“Since assuming office, Wike has tackled long-standing dysfunction in the FCT—from abandoned projects and decaying infrastructure to bureaucratic inefficiency. His administration has delivered rapid, visible, and measurable progress. Efforts like transforming the ICC into a world-class venue, upgrading transportation networks, and revamping internal roads have brought renewed confidence and investment to the capital. His reforms in land allocation are restoring transparency and productivity. Allocations to companies like Joaq Farms are lawful, and the attack on Wike appears to be the work of vested interests losing ground in a reformed system.”