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President Bola Tinubu has praised the conduct of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections and by-elections in Kano and Rivers states, describing the exercise as a boost to Nigeria’s democratic culture.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and voters for ensuring what he called a peaceful and orderly process.
INEC held elections across the six FCT area councils—Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji—where chairmanship and councillorship seats were contested. The commission also conducted by-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State, as well as Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State.
Results declared so far indicate that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured chairmanship victories in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC and Bwari, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada. In Rivers State, the APC claimed both state assembly seats up for grabs in the by-elections.
Reacting to the outcomes, the President congratulated the victorious candidates and urged them to regard their mandates as a “sacred trust,” calling on them to serve with humility, patriotism and commitment to grassroots development.
He also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as notable infrastructural and administrative strides in the territory, saying such efforts have translated into political gains for the ruling party.
Tinubu further extended congratulations to the APC’s national leadership and its structures in Kano and Rivers states for their performance at the polls. He encouraged INEC to sustain and improve its electoral processes to strengthen public confidence in democracy.
Despite the President’s commendation, reports from parts of the FCT indicated low voter turnout, while opposition parties raised concerns over alleged irregularities. The PDP has since set up a special legal team to challenge aspects of the FCT Area Council election results.