The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday presented certificates of return to the re-elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, and his deputy, Mohammed Nadabo, formally concluding the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The ceremony, held at INEC’s FCT office in Abuja, also included six other area council chairmen and their deputies, along with 62 councillors who emerged victorious in the polls, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Addressing attendees, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Aminu Idris described the presentation as the final stage of a credible and transparent electoral process.
“I wish, on behalf of the commission, to congratulate all of you for your success at the polls. Your election is a testament to the trust placed in you by the people. I urge you to embrace your mandate with a sense of duty, working tirelessly to address the needs of your constituents,” Idris said.
He also commended stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and political parties, for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and credible exercise.
Speaking to journalists after receiving his certificate, Maikalangu thanked God and the electorate, describing the occasion as the “final bus stop” of the electoral process. He pledged to continue his development agenda with a strong focus on rural communities, promising that the bulk of his administration’s projects would target these areas.
“Anytime you talk about local government, you are talking about local people. As usual, I will dedicate 80 per cent of my activities to rural areas, which is where most of my constituents reside. I want to thank them for their votes and assure them they will receive the dividend of democracy,” Maikalangu said.
He added that development would be tailored to the specific needs of each ward, noting that areas like Kabusa and Garki require particular attention due to their size and unique demands. He also extended an olive branch to political opponents, calling for collaboration for the council’s progress.
“We were never enemies. I don’t insult my rivals; we are all political friends. Let them join us so we can move AMAC forward together,” he said.
Vice Chairman-elect Mohammed Nadabo promised residents that the new administration would operate an open-door policy, remaining responsive to local needs.
“In some wards, residents need water; in others, it is education or infrastructure. We will address these needs in line with available resources, ensuring transparency and accountability,” Nadabo said.
In the February 21 elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six area council chairmanship seats in the FCT, securing victories in AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed the chairmanship seat in the remaining council.
