President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of the Saturday elections held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State, and Rivers State. He called on them to serve the people with humility, patriotism, and dedication, describing their victory as a sacred trust given by the electorate.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the peaceful conduct of the elections and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters for their roles in ensuring a smooth process.
The elections were conducted by INEC across the six area councils of the FCT. These councils include Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. Chairmanship and councillorship positions were contested in all the area councils.
At the same time, by-elections were held in some state constituencies. In Rivers State, elections took place in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies. In Kano State, voters went to the polls in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies to elect new members into the State Houses of Assembly.
Results declared so far by INEC show that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won most of the seats contested in the FCT. The party secured victories in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won only in Gwagwalada Area Council.
In the state assembly by-elections, the APC also recorded victories. The party won both Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State. It also emerged victorious in Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies in Kano State.
The President congratulated the leadership and members of the APC at the national level and in Kano and Rivers states for the success at the polls. He described the victories as a reflection of the confidence reposed in the party by the people.
President Tinubu urged all the newly elected officials to remember that their mandate comes from the people. He advised them to focus on good governance and service delivery. According to him, public office is not for personal gain but for the benefit of citizens.
He said, “The mandate given to you by the people is a sacred trust. You must serve with humility, patriotism, and total dedication to the welfare of the people.”
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as remarkable achievements in the FCT. He noted that the progress made in the territory under Wike’s leadership has produced political benefits for the APC.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a member of the PDP before his appointment, was named FCT Minister by President Tinubu in 2023. Since assuming office, he has overseen infrastructure projects, road construction, and other development efforts in Abuja and surrounding areas. Political observers have noted that his appointment was seen as a strategic move to broaden support for the President’s administration.
The FCT area council elections are important because they determine leadership at the grassroots level in the nation’s capital. Area councils are responsible for basic services such as primary education, healthcare, waste management, and local infrastructure. The performance of these councils directly affects the daily lives of residents.
Similarly, state assembly by-elections are held to fill vacant seats in the State Houses of Assembly. These vacancies may arise due to court rulings, resignations, or the death of elected members. The State Houses of Assembly play a key role in making laws for their states and in providing oversight over the executive arm of government.
President Tinubu praised INEC for conducting the elections in a peaceful and orderly manner. In recent years, Nigeria’s electoral process has faced criticism over logistics, delays, and security concerns. However, the President said the successful conduct of these polls shows progress in strengthening democratic institutions.
He also commended security agencies for maintaining law and order during the elections. In many parts of the country, elections can be tense due to political rivalry. The absence of major violence in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers during these polls was seen as a positive sign.
The President further applauded the voters who came out to exercise their civic duty. He said democracy thrives when citizens participate actively in choosing their leaders.
“Democracy is enriched by the vibrancy of participation and competition,” he said, while also praising the contestants for their courage and discipline throughout the process.
Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 after years of military government. Since then, the country has held regular elections at federal, state, and local levels. While challenges remain, each election is viewed as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen democratic culture.
Political analysts say the strong performance of the APC in the FCT and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers may boost the morale of the ruling party. Kano has long been a key political state in the North, while Rivers remains an influential state in the South-South region. Winning seats in these areas is considered important for building political support ahead of future elections.
However, opposition parties are also expected to review their strategies and prepare for upcoming contests. Elections in Nigeria are often closely fought, and political dynamics can change quickly.
President Tinubu called on INEC to continue improving its processes to ensure even better elections in the future. He stressed that credible elections are the foundation of democracy and public trust.
As the newly elected chairmen, councillors, and lawmakers prepare to assume office, attention will now turn to how they fulfill their campaign promises. Residents in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers will expect visible improvements in governance, service delivery, and representation.
For many citizens, the true test of the elections will not only be who won, but how well the winners perform in office.
