A coalition of senior APC stakeholders has called for early, data-led mobilisation and broader political education as preparations intensify for the 2026 FCT area council polls and the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made at a strategic engagement session convened by the Progressive Next Generation Initiative (PNGI), a data and analytics-driven platform created to identify and support emerging political leaders across the FCT and Nigeria.
The meeting brought together PNGI Convener, Hon Jeffery Omoh Ozemegwa; the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu; Director-General of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Dr Umar Tanko Yakasai; and former APC presidential aspirant, Dr Ibrahim Bello Dauda.
Ozemegwa said PNGI was founded on the belief that Nigeria is on the brink of a major generational transition after the 2027 elections.
“Over 15% of current political actors will phase out, making it necessary to nurture a younger, data-driven political class,” he said. He added that PNGI is working to build leaders capable of “shaping AMAC by 2030”.
He also expressed PNGI’s support for Maikalangu’s re-election, citing his “achievements, character and leadership qualities”. Ozemegwa argued that political enlightenment remained essential, noting that “many ward chairmen and councillors lack proper understanding of government policies”.
PNGI, he said, plans to deploy its structures across the FCT with the help of grassroots strategist Ibrahim Ombugadu.
TSG DG Dr Yakasai praised PNGI for initiating the engagement, saying such forums were vital for assessing performance and strengthening campaign messaging ahead of 2026 and 2027.
He described Maikalangu as “a strong APC asset”, adding that the party “welcomes only individuals who add value”.
Citing reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the creation of a full FCT civil service structure, the appointment of new mandate secretaries and expanded infrastructure, Yakasai urged FCT residents to deliver “a landslide victory” for the President in 2027 to end recurring controversies over FCT election outcomes.
Maikalangu, in his remarks, thanked PNGI for the recognition and revealed that mobilisation for the coming elections was already under way.
“AMAC is too large for last-minute campaigns. Early engagement across churches and communities is already underway,” he said, urging the APC national leadership to prioritise the FCT and back grassroots mobilisation “immediately”.
The AMAC Chairman said the APC was now “firmly rooted” in the FCT and predicted the party would secure victories in both 2026 and 2027.
Former APC presidential aspirant Dr Dauda commended Maikalangu’s record, saying “value naturally sells itself”.
He argued that many Nigerians misunderstood President Tinubu’s reforms due to weak communication. According to him, the new tax regime exempts businesses with turnovers below ₦50m, “covering more than 70% of Nigerians” from paying tax.
He added that nearly ₦7bn had been disbursed to community health centres across the country to fund free healthcare for pregnant women, children, the elderly and those with diabetes or hypertension.
Dauda urged PNGI, TSG and APC structures in the FCT to “harmonise enlightenment efforts” so citizens can better understand government policies ahead of the next election cycle.
The session ended with a collective endorsement of Maikalangu’s bid for a second term as AMAC Chairman, with stakeholders citing his “visible achievements”.
They also called on the APC’s national leadership to prioritise early mobilisation, data-driven messaging and the elevation of a new generation of political leaders before the 2027 general elections.
