A civil society organisation, the Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, has congratulated Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu on his re-election as Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), describing the recently concluded FCT Area Council elections as largely peaceful and credible.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Founder and Executive Director of the group, Comrade Abdulwahab Ekekhide, stated that the organisation monitored activities before, during and after the polls in partnership with other civil society bodies and independent observers.
He explained that, in line with the group’s commitment to electoral integrity above partisan considerations, its assessment covered the entire electoral process. According to him, findings indicated that the elections were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and orderly manner, with the will of the electorate duly reflected in the outcome.
Ekekhide, however, raised concerns over voter apathy, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter education and public awareness campaigns ahead of future elections to boost participation. He noted that greater sensitisation would strengthen civic engagement and deepen democratic culture.
The organisation highlighted the outcome in AMAC, where Maikalangu secured a second term with a significant margin. It attributed his victory to sustained grassroots engagement and a governance style focused on community development and service delivery.
The group further observed that the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the FCT may be linked to ongoing infrastructural initiatives undertaken by the FCT administration, suggesting that such interventions influenced voter confidence in several councils.
While acknowledging the politically dynamic nature of the FCT, Ekekhide maintained that low voter turnout remained the principal challenge of the exercise. He described the 2026 Area Council elections as a potential pointer to political developments ahead of 2027, emphasising the need for continuous efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting credible leadership, civic responsibility and inclusive governance, in line with national development aspirations. He also extended goodwill to residents of the Federal Capital Territory and expressed optimism about the steady growth of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The 2026 FCT Area Council Elections were held on 21 February 2026 across the six area councils. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won five councils, AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.