President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the newly constructed Arterial Road N16, also known as Shehu Shagari Way, which extends from Ring Road One (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Road), along with several other roads in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The inauguration ceremony served as a platform for the President to address various developmental strides and make significant political statements.

During the event, President Tinubu publicly extended an invitation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stating that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would warmly welcome him whenever he decides to switch his political allegiance. Mr. Wike is currently a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and notably serves as the only PDP member in President Tinubu’s cabinet.

"We have somebody—Nyesom Wike—he is not a member of my party (APC), not yet," President Tinubu remarked. "But the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him. Because we will enjoy singing ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us’," or as reported in another instance, "‘as e dey sweet us, e dey pain dem.’" The President emphasized that with individuals like Wike, the APC would continue to be in a joyous mood while their political rivals would experience distress.

The President reiterated that although Wike had not yet declared any intention to join the APC, the party's doors remain open for him. This sentiment was expressed clearly, indicating the APC's readiness to accept the FCT Minister into their fold should he choose to defect from the PDP and join the "progressive family."

While noting Wike's current non-membership in the APC, President Tinubu also took the opportunity to commend the FCT Administration, under Wike's leadership, for its collaboration in successfully delivering the significant road projects. The President highlighted that such infrastructure projects affirm his administration's unwavering commitment to urban transformation, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"Since assuming office in May 2023, this administration has been guided by a philosophy anchored on reform and regeneration," President Tinubu stated, adding that the commissioned projects were tangible proof of this philosophy in action. He described infrastructure not as a luxury but as a fundamental necessity, serving as the bedrock for national competitiveness, economic growth, social integration, and expanded opportunities for citizens. The President stressed that Nigeria's overall development is intrinsically linked to the quality of its infrastructure, which connects people, cities, and industries.

President Tinubu further elaborated on his administration's strategic focus, stating, "We are investing in roads, rail infrastructure, health care, education and digital infrastructure." He emphasized that industrialization cannot flourish without good roads and that it is only through such coordinated and integrated development across various sectors that Nigeria can unlock its full potential. "I promise you, we will," the President affirmed, underscoring his commitment to these developmental goals.