By Willy Okonji
A Civil Society Organisation, the Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, has applauded the re-election of Christopher Zakka Maikalangu as Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), describing the just-concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections as largely peaceful, transparent and credible.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Founder and Executive Director of the group, Abdulwahab Ekekhide, said the organisation closely monitored the electoral process before, during and after the polls in collaboration with other civil society partners and independent observers.
“As an organisation that prioritises electoral integrity above partisan interests, we observed developments before, during and after the election,” Ekekhide said. “Our findings reveal that the elections were peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible, with the will of the people prevailing.”
While commending the overall conduct of the exercise, he raised concerns over voter apathy and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter education and sensitisation ahead of future elections.
“We cannot rule out the issue of low voter participation. There is a clear need for more sensitisation before subsequent elections,” he stressed.
The group gave particular attention to the outcome in AMAC, where Maikalangu secured a second term by what it described as a wide margin. Ekekhide noted that the victory reflected the chairman’s strong grassroots connection and people-oriented style of governance.
“His re-election shows that when leaders are connected to the grassroots, they will always earn the support of the people,” he said, adding that Maikalangu’s development-driven approach and accessibility had continued to resonate with residents.
The organisation also attributed the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the FCT to ongoing infrastructural initiatives championed by the FCT administration, suggesting that such efforts may have influenced voting patterns in several councils.
According to the group, the 2026 Area Council elections — held on February 21 across the six area councils — may serve as an early indicator of political alignments ahead of 2027. The APC won five councils — AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji — while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.
Describing the FCT as a politically sophisticated environment, Ekekhide maintained that low voter turnout remained the most significant challenge of the polls.
“Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, and it is our collective duty, especially as young leaders, to protect and strengthen it,” he said. “Together, we can make democracy work for national development and the empowerment of our people.”
He concluded by extending goodwill to residents of the FCT and expressed optimism about the continued consolidation of Nigeria’s democratic process.
