.Flags off construction of major roads,
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike has endorsed Christopher Maikalangu, the incumbent Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Area Council elections in February 2026.
Maikalangu who recently defected to APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and is seeking re-election for a second term.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony of a major Road Project infrastructure project in neighboring communities, Wike urged residents to support the ruling party in the forthcoming elections.
The project involves constructing a 7-kilometer road with four-span bridges, linking Tunga Madaki and eight other settlements.
Wike emphasized that the infrastructure development is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at improving the lives of citizens. The road project was a result of negotiations during the acquisition of land for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Despite the land belonging to the Federal Capital Territory, the Aviation Ministry paid compensation, and the affected communities demanded road access as a condition.
Maikalangu’s emergence as the APC candidate was confirmed after he secured 51 votes in the party’s primary election. The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, congratulated Maikalangu on his victory and urged party members to support him.
In the words of the Minister:”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,” Wike said. “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.”
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 highlighted 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’ll all dance together in celebration.”
The minister was straightforward in implying that the government’s delivery of projects and services was connected to the residents’ electoral support, telling them:
“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 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.”
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.
In her vote ofthanks, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud noted that by providing an alternative access route that bypasses the airport second runway, the project would significantly ease traffic along Bill Clinton Drive, enhance security and convenience for airport users, and open up Tunga Madaki and adjoining settlements to socio-economic opportunities.
According to her, “More importantly, the inclusion of a 4-span bridge demonstrates the administration’s determination to ensure resilience and durability in our infrastructure, while also guaranteeing seamless connectivity for motorists and residents.”
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to manifest in tangible projects in the Territory.
Mahmoud also applauded the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructural development across the Federal Capital Territory.
