A civil society organisation, the Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, has applauded the re-election of Christopher Maikalangu as the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), describing the recently concluded FCT area council elections as largely peaceful and credible.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Abdulwahab Ekekhide, said the organisation monitored the pre-election, election-day and post-election processes 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,” he stated.
“Our findings reveal that the elections were peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible, with the will of the people prevailing.”
Ekekhide, however, expressed concern about voter apathy and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen voter education and sensitisation efforts ahead of future polls to boost participation.
“We cannot rule out the issue of low voter participation. There is a clear need for more sensitisation before subsequent elections,” he said.
The group specifically referenced the outcome in AMAC, where Maikalangu secured a second term by what it described as a significant margin.
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According to Ekekhide, the victory reflected the chairman’s strong grassroots ties and inclusive 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.
“Maikalangu’s people-oriented leadership and development efforts have endeared him to residents. His deep connection with the grassroots, which earned him victory in 2022, has once again proved decisive.”
The organisation also associated the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT with ongoing infrastructural projects spearheaded by the territory’s administration, suggesting that such initiatives may have shaped voting patterns across several councils.
While noting that the FCT remains politically dynamic and sophisticated, Ekekhide reiterated that low voter turnout was the most notable challenge during the elections.
He described the 2026 Area Council polls as a potential signal of political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, and it is our collective duty, especially as young leaders, to protect and strengthen it,” he added.
“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 expressing optimism about the continued advancement of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The 2026 FCT Area Council elections were held on February 21, 2026, across the six councils.
The APC secured victories in AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in the Gwagwalada Area Council.
