The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won five out of the six chairmanship positions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The elections were held across the six area councils that make up the FCT. These councils are Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. The polls were conducted to elect new chairmen who will oversee local governance and community development at the grassroots level.
INEC declared that Hon. Joshua Ishaku of the APC won the chairmanship seat in Bwari Area Council. In AMAC, Hon. Chris Garki of the APC emerged victorious. Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo of the APC also won in Kuje, while Hon. Nuhu Daniel Kwali secured victory in Kwali. In Abaji, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Abubakar of the APC was declared the winner.
The only area council won by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was Gwagwalada, where Hon. Kasim Mohammed emerged as chairman-elect.
Announcing the result for Abaji Area Council, INEC said Hon. Abdullahi Umar Abubakar of the APC polled 15,536 votes to defeat his closest rival from the PDP, who scored 4,547 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate received 37 votes.
The wide margin in Abaji reflects the strong performance of the APC in most parts of the FCT during the election.
The FCT Area Council elections are important because the councils are responsible for grassroots administration in the nation’s capital. Unlike other states that have local government areas, the FCT operates area councils. These councils manage primary education, healthcare centres, markets, sanitation, and some local infrastructure.
The APC’s strong showing in the FCT is seen as a boost for the ruling party at the federal level. The FCT is home to the seat of power and a diverse population drawn from all parts of the country. Winning five out of six chairmanship seats is viewed as a sign of the party’s influence in the territory.
However, the PDP’s victory in Gwagwalada shows that opposition parties still have support in parts of the FCT. Gwagwalada is one of the largest and most populated area councils in the territory, with a mix of urban and rural communities.
INEC officials said the elections were conducted peacefully in most polling units, with security personnel deployed to maintain order. Voters turned out in different communities to cast their ballots, although turnout was described as moderate in some areas.
Over the years, FCT Area Council elections have often attracted attention because of their impact on local governance in Abuja and surrounding towns. The performance of area council chairmen directly affects the delivery of basic services to residents.
The newly elected chairmen are expected to focus on improving infrastructure, sanitation, rural roads, and access to healthcare and education. Residents in many communities have called for better waste management, improved primary schools, and stronger support for small businesses.
The APC’s victories in Bwari, AMAC, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji may strengthen the party’s hold in the FCT, while the PDP is likely to review its performance and plan for future contests.
As the results settle, attention will now shift to the swearing-in of the newly elected chairmen and their plans for their respective councils. Many residents say they expect the new leaders to deliver on campaign promises and improve living conditions.
With the conclusion of the polls and declaration of results by INEC, the focus moves from campaigns to governance. For the people of the FCT, the hope is that the outcome of the election will lead to better service delivery and development at the grassroots level.
