The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday formally concluded the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory with the presentation of certificates of return to elected officials.
At a ceremony held at INEC’s FCT office in Abuja, the commission presented certificates to the re-elected Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, and his deputy, Mohammed Nadabo.
Also honoured were six area council chairmen and their deputies, as well as 62 councillors who emerged victorious in the polls.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris, described the presentation as the final phase of what he termed a credible and transparent electoral process.
He congratulated the winners and reminded them that their mandates represent a responsibility to serve the people diligently.
“Your election is a testament to the trust reposed in you by the electorate. I urge you to see this as a call to duty and to work tirelessly in addressing the needs of your constituents,” Idris said.
He also commended key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force and political parties, for contributing to a peaceful and orderly exercise.
In his remarks, Maikalangu expressed gratitude to God and the electorate, describing the issuance of the certificate as the “final bus stop” in the electoral journey.
He pledged to sustain his administration’s development drive, with a major focus on rural communities.
According to him, about 80 per cent of his projects would target rural areas, stressing that local governance must prioritise grassroots needs.
“When you talk about local government, you are talking about the local people. I will continue to prioritise rural communities because that is where most of the needs lie,” he said, promising residents the dividends of democracy.
He noted that development initiatives would be tailored to the peculiar needs of each ward, citing Kabusa and Garki as areas requiring specific interventions due to their size and unique demands.
READ ALSO: AMAC Poll: INEC Declares APC’s Christopher Maikalangu Winner
Maikalangu also extended a hand of fellowship to his political opponents, urging collaboration for the advancement of AMAC.
“We were never enemies. Politics aside, we are friends. Let us come together and move AMAC forward,” he said.
Vice Chairman-elect Mohammed Nadabo assured residents that the administration would adopt an open-door policy and remain responsive to the diverse needs of communities, ranging from water supply to education and infrastructure.
The February 21 elections saw the All Progressives Congress clinch five of the six chairmanship seats across the FCT area councils—AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje—while the Peoples Democratic Party secured one seat.
With the presentation of certificates of return, the stage is now set for the newly elected officials to assume office and begin the task of governance across the councils.