Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says he will upgrade the status of traditional rulers in the FCT after they supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu.
Wike spoke during his “thank-you” tour of area councils in the FCT. The tour followed the February 21, 2026, council elections.
He said the traditional rulers deserved the promotion because they supported the ruling party.
Mass Upgrade for Traditional Rulers
During a visit to Abaji area council, Wike announced a mass promotion for traditional rulers.
He said all second-class chiefs will become first-class, while all third-class chiefs will move to second-class.
“By the powers conferred on me, all the second-class traditional rulers have been upgraded to first class, and all the third-class have been upgraded to second class,” he said.
“You have worked hard for it and you deserve it. All I want to do with you is to support Mr President.”
Move Follows Earlier Promotion in Kwali
Earlier, Wike upgraded Luka Nizassan III, the Etsu of Kwali. The monarch moved from second-class to first-class status.
Wike announced the promotion during a visit to Kwali area council on March 9.
The minister said the decision recognised the monarch’s support for Tinubu.
He later expanded the policy during his visit to Abaji. There, he announced the broader reform for traditional rulers across the FCT.
Wike’s “thank-you” tour is part of APC’s efforts to appreciate residents and political stakeholders who supported the party in the council elections.
