The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday formally presented certificates of return to the re-elected Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, and his deputy, Mohammed Nadabo, marking the official conclusion of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The ceremony, held at INEC’s FCT office in Abuja, also included six other area council chairmen and their deputies, along with 62 councillors who emerged victorious in the polls.
Speaking at the event, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Aminu Idris described the exercise as the final stage of a credible and transparent electoral process.
“I wish, on behalf of the commission, to congratulate all of you for your success at the polls. Your election is a testament to the trust imposed on you by the people. Embrace your mandate with a sense of duty and work tirelessly to address the needs of your constituents,” Idris said. He commended stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and political parties, for contributing to a peaceful and credible exercise.
Reacting to the presentation, Maikalangu expressed gratitude to God and the electorate, describing the occasion as the “final bus stop” in the electoral process. He pledged to continue his development agenda with particular focus on rural communities, noting that the bulk of his administration’s projects would target these areas.
“Anytime you talk about local government, you are talking about local people. I will dedicate 80 per cent of activities to the rural areas because most of my efforts dwell there. I want to thank them for giving me their votes, and I will ensure they receive that dividend of democracy,” Maikalangu said.
He further highlighted the need for ward-specific development, citing areas such as Kabusa and Garki that require particular attention due to their size and unique demands. He also called for collaboration with political opponents, emphasizing unity over rivalry.
“We were not enemies from the beginning. We are all political friends. Let them come and join us so that whatever ideas they have, we can move AMAC forward together,” he said.
Vice Chairman-elect Mohammed Nadabo assured residents of an open-door administration, responsive to the diverse needs of each ward. “In some wards, the priority may be water; in others, education or infrastructure. We will operate in line with available resources to ensure we meet our citizens’ expectations,” Nadabo said.
In the February 21 elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured five of the six Area Council chairmanship seats in the FCT, winning AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed the remaining seat.
The presentation of certificates of return marks the official start of the new administration’s tenure, with a focus on inclusive governance and development across the Federal Capital Territory.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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