By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja media360impact
A civil society organisation, the Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, has congratulated the re-elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, while describing the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections as largely peaceful and credible.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Abdulwahab Ekekhide, said the organisation monitored activities before, during and after the polls in collaboration with other civil society partners and independent observers.
According to him, the group’s assessment indicates that the elections were conducted in a generally orderly atmosphere, with minimal disruptions across polling units.
“As an organisation that prioritises electoral integrity above partisan interests, we observed developments before, during and after the election. Our findings reveal that the elections were peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible, with the will of the people prevailing,” he said.
Concern Over Voter Apathy
Despite commending the conduct of the polls, Ekekhide raised concerns about low voter turnout, describing it as a key issue that requires urgent attention.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter education and sensitisation campaigns ahead of future elections to boost participation.
“We cannot ignore the issue of low voter participation. There is a clear need for broader voter reorientation and awareness before subsequent elections,” he noted.
Maikalangu’s Victory in AMAC
The group particularly highlighted the outcome in AMAC, where Maikalangu secured a second term by what it described as a significant margin.
Ekekhide attributed the victory to the chairman’s grassroots engagement and governance style, noting that sustained community connection often translates to electoral support.
“His re-election shows that when leaders maintain close ties with the grassroots, they earn the confidence of the people,” he said.
APC’s Performance Across Councils
The organisation also linked the broader performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT to ongoing infrastructural and administrative initiatives within the territory, suggesting that development efforts may have influenced voting patterns in several councils.
Results from the 21 February 2026 polls show that the APC secured victories in AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Looking Ahead to 2027
While describing the FCT as a politically aware and competitive environment, Ekekhide said the 2026 Area Council elections could serve as an early indicator of political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He emphasised the role of young leaders and civil society actors in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, and it is our collective duty to protect and strengthen it. Together, we can make democracy work for national development and the empowerment of our people.”
The group concluded by extending goodwill to residents of the Federal Capital Territory and expressing optimism about the continued consolidation of democratic processes in the country.
