The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, threw his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the forthcoming Abuja Area Council elections scheduled for February 2026.
Incumbent chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC ), Christopher Maikalangu,
who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is seeking re-election for a second term in office.
He urged residents of Tunga Madaki and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by voting for the ruling party.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of a 7-kilometre road with four-span bridges linking Tunga Madaki and eight other settlements, Wike said the project was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a direct response to the community’s long-standing demand for infrastructure.
Wike noted that the road project stemmed from earlier negotiations during the acquisition of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He explained that despite the land belonging to the Federal Capital Territory, the Aviation Ministry had to pay compensation, during which the affected communities demanded road access as a condition.
“It was quite unfair that a people would surrender their ancestral land for a national project like a second runway, yet they had no access road, even to the airport they gave land for. So, I took the matter to Mr President, and he said, Whatever they ask for, give it to them. Today, we are here to fulfil that promise,” Wike said.
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The FCT Minister stated that the road construction will be completed and commissioned by June 2026, to coincide with the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
He commended the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, for committing to the timeline.
“This is a government that listens, a government that keeps its promises. For the first time in your lives, you asked for one thing, and the government responded. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.”
While addressing the visibly excited crowd, Wike lauded the role played by Maikalangu, whom he described as a tireless advocate for the Tunga Madaki community.
“Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process,” Wike said. “He kept pressing, and here we are today. I am handing him over to you. Support him in the February 2026 elections, so that by June, when the road is commissioned, we will all dance together in celebration.”
The minister did not mince words in linking government performance to electoral loyalty.
He urged the people to reflect on past leadership and question the absence of attention before the APC-led administration.
“You’ve had council chairmen before—did anyone remember Tunga Madaki? Did they connect you to the airport whose land you gave away? Ask them where they were when your roads were impassable.”
Wike added that by next year, the road would not only serve as a key access route to the airport via Bill Clinton Drive, but would also catalyse development across the nine previously neglected communities.
He ended with a symbolic charge:
“Remember the man who remembered you during the rainy season. This is a time to stand with the party that brought development to your doorstep.”
With campaigns for the FCT Area Council elections now officially open, Wike’s remarks are being seen as a strong political endorsement of the APC’s grassroots strategy in the territory.
The February 2026 elections are expected to be closely watched as a litmus test for the APC’s influence in the capital city, especially in areas previously dominated by opposition parties.