The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the February 21 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election has accepted the outcome of the poll and ruled out any plan to challenge the result in court.
The candidate, Mr. Chukwu, made this known on Tuesday in a congratulatory message to Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Maikalangu was returned as the elected chairman of AMAC after scoring the highest number of votes in the keenly contested election.
In his statement, Chukwu said he would not contest the outcome “for any reason whatsoever.” He explained that elections are about service to the people and not about personal ambition.
According to him, democracy is strengthened when political actors accept the will of the people.
“Elections are about service, not personal ambition,” he said, adding that leadership should always focus on improving the lives of residents.
Chukwu noted that the February 21 poll was peaceful and orderly in most parts of AMAC. He stressed that the calm atmosphere recorded during the campaign period and on election day was itself a victory for democracy in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In recent times, elections in different parts of Nigeria have sometimes been marked by tension, violence and disputes over results. However, observers described the AMAC election as largely calm, with security agencies deployed to maintain order.
While some political actors in other area council elections have raised concerns over alleged irregularities, the APGA candidate urged aggrieved persons to seek redress only through lawful means.
He said elections remain a legitimate way for citizens to choose their leaders, and disagreements should be handled within the law.
Chukwu also pledged to support initiatives that would help the incoming administration succeed.
“I pledge support for initiatives that would ensure the success of the incoming administration,” he said.
He congratulated Maikalangu and urged him to be magnanimous in victory by governing with humility and inclusiveness.
According to Chukwu, AMAC belongs to all residents, regardless of political party, ethnic group or religion. He said the new administration should reflect fairness, unity and commitment to the common good.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council is the largest and most populated area council in the FCT. It covers key districts such as Wuse, Garki, Nyanya, Karshi and parts of the city centre. The council is important because it oversees local services, including primary healthcare, markets, sanitation and community development.
Area council elections in the FCT are conducted by INEC, unlike local government elections in the states, which are handled by state electoral commissions.
The February 21 election attracted candidates from major political parties, including the APC, APGA and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Campaigns focused on issues such as infrastructure, waste management, youth empowerment and improved service delivery at the grassroots level.
Christopher Maikalangu, who ran on the APC platform, has now secured another term as chairman of AMAC. His victory means the APC will continue to control the council.
In Nigeria, election petitions are common after major polls. Candidates who are dissatisfied with results often approach election tribunals to challenge outcomes. While this is allowed under the law, prolonged legal battles can sometimes create uncertainty.
Residents of AMAC have expressed hope that the new administration will focus on improving basic services. Many communities in the area council face challenges such as poor road conditions, waste disposal issues and limited access to healthcare.
With the election concluded, attention now shifts to governance. Chukwu’s call for unity and inclusiveness reflects a wider desire among residents for cooperation across party lines.
As one of the most important councils in the FCT, AMAC plays a key role in the daily lives of thousands of Abuja residents. Expectations are high that the new administration will address pressing local issues and ensure fairness in its policies.
For now, the acceptance of the result by the APGA candidate has added to the atmosphere of calm following the election. Many residents hope this spirit of sportsmanship will continue as the council begins a new chapter.