The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially declared his support for Christopher Maikalangu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate vying for the Abuja Municipal Area Council Chairmanship seat in the February 2026 council elections.
Last week, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authorized the commencement of campaigns for the area council elections. According to a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the campaign period began on September 24, 2025, and will run until midnight on February 19, 2026.
Maikalangu, who currently serves as chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, emerged victorious in the APC primary election held on June 26, 2025, in Abuja, polling 51 votes to secure the party’s ticket for the 2026 polls.
During the flag-off ceremony for new road projects linking Tunga Madaki and eight other communities to the airport on Monday, Minister Wike highlighted Maikalangu’s persistence in urging him to remind President Bola Tinubu to ensure compensation for residents affected by the construction of the second runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Wike appealed to the residents to back Maikalangu’s candidacy, emphasizing that the APC candidate would play a key role in the commissioning of these critical infrastructure projects slated for June 2026.
“Now that INEC has said area councils can officially campaign, you know the direction we are heading,” Wike said. “Remember, you have had area council chairmen before — but who remembered Tunga Madaki settlement? My dear people of Tunga Madaki, I have handed Maikalangu over to you. When the election is held in February, by June Mr. President will be here to inaugurate this road. Then, we will all celebrate, and Mr. Maikalangu will do the needful after the election.”
Wike further stated that President Tinubu had directed full compensation be paid to the communities prior to the road construction, fulfilling the residents’ request to connect their settlements to the road network.
“One of the key requests from the communities was road access. It is unfair that they released land for the second runway without proper access to the airport. It simply does not make sense,” Wike said.
“Because aviation involves security, I took this issue to Mr. President, and he affirmed that whatever the settlements ask for should be granted. Today, September 29, 2025, we are here by the grace of God to fulfill the promise made by Mr. President to the people of Tunga Madaki settlement.”
He added: “Today’s event shows that President Tinubu’s government is one that listens, cares for the people, and fulfills its promises. Imagine what development will look like here by June, when this road is completed. On behalf of Mr. President, I congratulate the people of the nine communities linked by this road on their achievement.”
