President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated winners of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in Kano and Rivers states, describing the exercise as another step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic culture.
In a statement issued Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the peaceful conduct of the polls organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The elections covered chairmanship and councillorship positions across the six FCT area councils—Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji—as well as by-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
INEC’s declarations indicate that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won chairmanship seats in Abaji, Kwali, AMAC, and Bwari Area Councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada. In the Rivers State by-elections, the APC captured both contested seats.
Urging the victors to approach their responsibilities with humility and patriotism, Tinubu described the mandate given to them as “a sacred trust” that must be honoured through dedicated service.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he termed remarkable developmental strides in the territory, noting that the achievements had translated into political gains for the APC.
Tinubu further congratulated the APC’s national leadership, as well as its Kano and Rivers State chapters, for their performance at the polls.
He praised INEC, security agencies, and voters for ensuring what he called a peaceful and successful electoral process.
“Democracy is enriched by the vibrancy of participation and competition,” the President stated, adding that the elections reinforce public confidence in democratic institutions.
He also urged INEC to build on the exercise and continue improving future electoral processes.
However, reports from observers, including MetroNews Online, indicated low voter turnout in several areas. Opposition parties have also alleged irregularities in the conduct of the elections.
In response, the PDP has inaugurated a special legal team to handle petitions arising from the FCT Area Council polls, signalling the likelihood of post-election legal battles.
The latest elections add another chapter to Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, even as debates continue over participation levels and electoral transparency.
