Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of Christopher Maikalangu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Wike’s endorsement came on Monday, September 29, 2025, during the flag-off of a key road construction project in Tunga Madaki.
According to a report by Leadership Newspaper, the minister linked his support for Maikalangu to ongoing development projects in the FCT, emphasizing that leadership performance should guide voter decisions.
In his address, Wike made clear that development initiatives in the area were tied to effective collaboration between government and local leadership.
“When you see someone who is working with us and delivering for the people, then you know he deserves to be supported. That is why I am endorsing Christopher Maikalangu. He has been a reliable partner in ensuring that these projects take off,” he stated.
He urged residents to align themselves with the APC candidate, describing him as a proven partner in development and governance.
The minister’s statement carried both political and developmental undertones, as he used the occasion to highlight the federal government’s responsiveness to community demands, particularly those linked to the construction of the second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The 7-kilometre Tunga Madaki road project, flagged off by Wike, is expected to ease transportation and connect nine rural settlements to Bill Clinton Drive, which directly links to the airport.
The road will also feature four-span bridges, making it one of the most ambitious infrastructure interventions in the area in recent years.
Crucially, the project represents more than just a road. It is also seen as a form of compensation to communities that ceded land for the airport’s second runway.
While monetary compensation had been offered to affected households, residents reportedly insisted that infrastructure development was a more tangible and lasting form of redress.
Wike recounted how the matter was escalated to President Bola Tinubu for resolution. “I took the matter to Mr. President, and he said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them.’ That is why we are here today, fulfilling that promise,” the minister revealed.
Wike’s open endorsement of Maikalangu highlights an interesting twist in Abuja’s local politics. Traditionally, the FCT minister has been expected to maintain a non-partisan posture when it comes to area council elections.
However, Wike, a former governor of Rivers State known for his bold and sometimes controversial political moves, has chosen to align himself with the ruling party’s candidate.
Analysts suggest that Wike’s declaration may strengthen APC’s chances in AMAC, an area that has historically seen competitive contests between APC and opposition parties. His position as minister, coupled with the ongoing delivery of major projects, could tilt voter perception in favour of Maikalangu.
Some residents of Tunga Madaki and surrounding communities welcomed the project as long overdue. For them, the new road represents both improved access and government acknowledgment of their sacrifices during the airport expansion.
One resident told reporters, “We gave up our land because the airport is a national project. But for years, we were left without good roads or access to basic infrastructure. Today, we feel seen, and we thank the President and the minister for listening to us.”
Others, however, expressed caution, warning against tying essential development projects too closely to electoral politics. “We need roads and bridges regardless of elections. It should not be that we only get projects when politicians are looking for votes,” another community member noted.
Wike’s comments also underscore President Tinubu’s approach to grassroots compensation and inclusion. By approving community requests tied to the airport expansion, Tinubu is projecting an image of a leader sensitive to local needs.
The move may help consolidate support for the APC across the FCT, particularly as the 2027 general elections begin to loom on the horizon.
For Wike, the project serves as both a developmental milestone and a political statement. His ability to deliver major infrastructure while simultaneously shaping political outcomes reinforces his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians.
The Tunga Madaki road project is expected to significantly improve mobility, reduce travel times, and open up economic opportunities for nine communities in AMAC. For residents, it is a visible demonstration of government’s responsiveness to grassroots concerns. For Wike, it is also an opportunity to translate political alliances into tangible dividends of democracy.
“I took the matter to Mr. President, and he said, ‘Whatever they ask for, give it to them,’” Wike reiterated. “That is why we are here today to show that promises made can indeed be promises kept.” he added.