Ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area councils’ elections, scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the forthcoming elections.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of a seven-kilometre road with four-span bridges linking Tunga Madaki community and eight other settlements on Monday, Wike urged residents of the community and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the Federal Government’s gesture by voting for the ruling party.
Recall that the incumbent chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while seeking re-election for a second term in office.
The minister explained that the project was in fulfillment 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 FCT, 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 fulfill that promise,” Wike said.
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,” he stated.
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. 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’ll all dance together in celebration,” Wike said.
He did not mince words in linking the government’s performance to electoral loyalty.
“One good turn deserves another. When you do for me, I do for you. When you fall for me, I fall for you. When you listen to me, I listen to you,” he stated.
He urged the people to reflect on past leadership and question the absence of attention prior to 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,” he said.
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.
“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,” he concluded.