By Danladi John

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Young People’s Initiative for Credible Leadership, has hailed the re-election of Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu as Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), describing the just-concluded FCT Area Council elections as largely peaceful, transparent and credible.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Founder and Executive Director of the group, Comrade Abdulwahab Ekekhide, said the organisation monitored the electoral process before, during and after the polls 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,” Ekekhide stated. “Our findings reveal that the elections were peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible, with the will of the people prevailing.”
While commending the conduct of the polls, he expressed concern over voter apathy and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter education and awareness campaigns ahead of future elections 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 stressed.
The group particularly spotlighted the outcome in AMAC, where Maikalangu secured a second term with what it described as a wide margin. According to Ekekhide, the victory underscores the chairman’s strong grassroots connection and people-focused governance style.
“His re-election shows that when leaders are connected to the grassroots, they will always earn the support of the people,” he said, adding that Maikalangu’s development-driven approach and accessibility have continued to resonate with residents.
The organisation also linked the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the Federal Capital Territory to ongoing infrastructural initiatives championed by the FCT administration, noting that such efforts may have shaped voting patterns in several councils.
According to the group, the 2026 Area Council elections — held on 21 February across the six area councils — may serve as an early pointer to political dynamics ahead of 2027. The APC clinched five councils — AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji — while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada.
Describing the FCT as a politically sophisticated environment, Ekekhide maintained that low turnout remained the most significant challenge of the exercise.
“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 consolidation of Nigeria’s democratic process.