ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Sunday for his significant work in the capital region, crediting it with delivering key electoral gains for the All Progressives Congress.

Tinubu extended congratulations to the APC’s national leadership, as well as its chapters in Kano and Rivers states, following victories in local polls. The elections covered all six area councils in the FCT, along with by-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State, and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State, according to Independent National Electoral Commission records.

“View the mandate given to you by the people as a sacred trust,” Tinubu told the winners in a statement. He called on them to govern with humility, patriotism and dedication.

The president singled out Wike’s record once more, noting how infrastructure and development projects in the FCT translated into political success for the APC. Short, decisive gains at the polls underscored the minister’s impact.

Tinubu also thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission, security forces and voters for ensuring a peaceful vote. Contestants showed courage and discipline throughout, he said, adding vibrancy to Nigeria’s democracy through competition.

These off-cycle elections reinforce the nation’s democratic institutions, Tinubu stated. He pressed INEC to build on this success with even stronger processes ahead.

Saturday’s results marked fresh momentum for the APC in key areas. In the FCT, the party swept area council chairmanships and councillorships across Abuja’s six districts. Rivers State’s two state assembly seats went to APC candidates amid tight races. Kano’s municipal and Ungogo by-elections delivered similar triumphs for the ruling party.

Officials reported high turnout in urban wards, with security deployments preventing disruptions. INEC declared all races conclusive by late evening, with no major challenges filed yet.

Tinubu’s message arrived hours after results certification. It highlighted party unity under national chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside state leaders in Kano and Rivers. Wike, a former Rivers governor, has overseen rapid roadworks, school renovations and security upgrades in Abuja since his August 2023 appointment.

Analysts link APC’s FCT dominance directly to these efforts. Voters in areas like Gwagwalada and Kuje praised visible progress, tipping scales against opposition People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party hopefuls.

The wins come amid Nigeria’s broader political realignments. Tinubu’s administration eyes similar successes in upcoming polls, building on 2023 general election momentum.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu earlier touted the exercises as a test of electoral readiness. Security agencies, including police and civil defense, logged zero major incidents across 200-plus polling units.

Tinubu wrapped up by affirming democracy’s health. Participation from all sides, he said, fortifies the system against doubts.