The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind Christopher Maikalangu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections.

Mr Maikalangu is seeking re-election as chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the area councils polls scheduled for February 2026.

Mr Wike campaigned for Mr Maikalangu during the inauguration of the construction of a 7-kilometre access road with four-span bridges to link Tunga Madaki with eight other settlements in AMAC..

Mr Maikalangu recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The minister urged residents of Tunga Madaki and neighbouring communities to reciprocate the federal government’s gesture by voting for the AMAC chairman.

Mr Wike, who described Mr Maikalangu as “a tireless advocate for the Tunga Madaki community”, recounted his efforts in making the road projects a reality.

“Maikalangu has never stopped reminding me about the promise made to you during the land compensation process for the second airport runway.

“He kept pressing, and here we are today for the inauguration

“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.

“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.

“You have had council chairmen before. Did anyone remember Tunga Madaki or connect you to the airport?

“Ask them where they were when your roads were not motorable,” he retorted.

The minister urged the crowd to reflect on past leadership and question the absence of attention before the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

“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 added.

(NAN)