Group praises Maikalangu’s re-election, describes AMAC poll as peaceful

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 FCT Area Councils elections as largely peaceful and credible.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Founder and Executive Director of the group, Abdulwahab Ekekhide, revealed that the organisation actively monitored activities before, during, and after the polls. He noted that the observation was carried out in collaboration with other civil society partners and independent election observers.

According to Ekekhide, the group’s findings indicated that the electoral process in AMAC met acceptable standards, with minimal disruptions recorded across polling units. He commended electoral officials, security agencies, and voters for their roles in ensuring a smooth exercise.

“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, noted concerns over voter apathy. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter reorientation and awareness campaigns ahead of future elections to improve turnout. “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 particularly highlighted the outcome in AMAC, where Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu secured a second term with what it described as a wide margin. According to Ekekhide, Maikalangu’s victory was a reflection of his grassroots connection and people-centred approach to 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 linked the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the FCT to ongoing infrastructural development initiatives championed by the FCT administration, noting that such efforts may have influenced voting patterns in several councils.

While acknowledging that the FCT remains a politically sophisticated environment, Ekekhide reiterated that the principal challenge during the election was low voter turnout. He described the 2026 Area Council elections as a possible indicator of political trends ahead of 2027.

“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 Federal Capital Territory and expressing optimism about the continued growth of Nigeria’s democratic process.

It would be recalled that the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections were held on 21 February 2026 across the six area councils. The All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in five councils — AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji — while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada Area Council.