Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of worsening flooding in Abuja by allegedly allowing canals, waterways and drainage areas to be used for private estate developments.

Adeyanju Accuses Wike

Adeyanju made the allegations in posts on X on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after heavy rainfall caused flooding across several parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Wike has destroyed Abuja. The town is stinking and flooded. I have never seen this kind of complete lunacy and greed before,” Adeyanju wrote.

He also questioned how canals and waterways could be allocated to politicians for estate development.

“How do you allocate canals and waterways to politicians to build estates on it?” he asked.

Flood Hits Several Abuja Areas

The heavy rainfall left several districts flooded, including Wuse 2, Gudu, Maitama, Katampe, Mabushi, Lugbe and Lokogoma.

Vehicles were stranded or submerged in some areas, while residents and businesses struggled to cope with the floodwaters. The bridge linking Gaduwa and Durumi was also affected.

Adeyanju later shared more images and videos of the flooding, accusing the FCT Administration of allowing development around drainage channels and waterways.

He alleged that drainages, canals and waterways had been allocated to “cronies and politician friends” for estate development.

Residents Raise Drainage Concerns

The flooding has also renewed concerns about blocked drainage channels, construction on waterways, inadequate waste management and the loss of green areas across Abuja.

NiMet and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency had previously warned of increased flood risks during the 2026 rainy season, particularly between August and September.

The latest flooding has increased calls for better drainage maintenance, stricter control of construction around waterways and improved urban planning across the FCT.

As of Monday morning, there was no immediate response from Wike or the FCT Administration to Adeyanju’s specific allegations.