The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has downplayed comparisons between his performance and that of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who previously served in the same ministerial position.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Pidgin on Saturday, Wike emphasized that he is not working to be compared with anyone, including El-Rufai, who is widely regarded as one of the most impactful FCT ministers during former President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration.

"I'm not working to be compared with anybody (El-Rufai). For me, when Tinubu informed me that there is work to be done and I saw that he was sincere and he gave me the support needed, then I realized that he wants me to change Abuja," Wike stated.

The minister acknowledged El-Rufai's contributions but noted that he was not in a position to make direct comparisons. "When El-Rufai was the Minister, I was the Chairman of council and I didn't come to Abuja, so it will be difficult for me to talk about comparison. All I know is that people said El-Rufai tried, I don't work to compare," he added.

Since his appointment under President Bola Tinubu's administration, Wike has embarked on completing several abandoned projects across the capital city and satellite towns. His administration has focused on opening new roads and constructing bridges throughout the FCT, continuing the development trajectory of Nigeria's capital.

Wike emphasized that his focus remains on fulfilling President Tinubu's mandate to transform Abuja, leaving the public to judge his performance based on visible results rather than historical comparisons.

"People are the ones judging because they are the ones that see. I have never stayed in Abuja before," the minister remarked, suggesting that residents and visitors to the FCT are in the best position to evaluate the impact of his ongoing infrastructure projects.