Voters across Abuja will head to the polls tomorrow, Saturday, February 21, 2025, to elect chairmen and councillors in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in an election widely seen as a political litmus test for emerging alliances ahead of future national contests.
The elections will take place in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, with candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensifying campaigns over the past three weeks.
The polls are particularly significant for the ADC, which has recently been energized by a coalition of prominent opposition figures. Leading political heavyweights, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, have campaigned vigorously across Abuja, urging residents to vote for ADC candidates as an alternative to the ruling APC.
In AMAC, the ADC chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, expressed confidence in his readiness for office, describing his ambition as the culmination of years of grassroots engagement.
“Preparation for leadership does not begin a few days before an election. It is built over time through service and sacrifice,” Paul said. “For years, I have walked these streets and listened to the people. I am fully prepared mentally, structurally and spiritually to serve from day one.”
He framed the election as a defining moment for AMAC residents seeking accountable governance.
“This election is no longer about me. It is about AMAC deciding it deserves competence, dignity and accountable leadership,” he added.
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On the prospect of working with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, if elected, Paul stressed the importance of collaboration.
“Leadership is not about ego; it is about responsibility. I will work with every lawful authority in the interest of our people. But my loyalty will always be to the people of AMAC,” he said, noting that his membership of the ADC was based on conviction rather than convenience.
Across markets and neighbourhoods in Bwari, Dutse and other parts of the capital, residents voiced varied expectations.
Aisha Abdulkadir, a trader at Bwari Market, lamented what she described as a pattern of absentee leadership. “We are tired of leaders who come during campaigns and then disappear,” she said.
Joy Okon, who sells provisions in Dutse Market, said competence was her top priority. “I just want someone who knows what they are doing, not somebody that just wants to enter politics for power.”
Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, a mobile phone dealer, called for tangible development. “We need good roads, water and security; we don’t want slogans,” he declared.
For Fatima Yusuf, a hairstylist, familiarity with local communities matters. “I am paying attention to who knows our communities well, no be person wey go just put up posters run comot,” she said.
Victoria Odumu, a civil servant, was blunt: “We don’t want promises again. I am voting for somebody who can do actual work.”
Godswill Onyeka, a food vendor, said he had already made up his mind. “I already know who I am voting for. All I am waiting for now is election day.”
The FCT Police Command has announced a 12-hour restriction of movement across Abuja from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the polls.
Meanwhile, the role of the FCT Minister has added another layer of intrigue to the contest. A week ago, Wike publicly declared that he would support only candidates who align with the vision of Bola Tinubu, regardless of party affiliation. Although still a member of the PDP, Wike has actively campaigned for APC candidates.
“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win,” Wike said, adding that he owed no apology for his stance.
His political strategy has reportedly led to significant realignments. In Bwari, PDP chairmanship candidate Julius Adamu stepped down in favour of the APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa. Similarly, in AMAC, PDP candidate Hon. Zadna Dantani withdrew from the race to back APC’s Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Observers say the withdrawals underscore Wike’s growing influence in FCT politics and could reshape the balance of power in the area councils.
As Abuja residents prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome of the elections is expected to provide an early indication of the strength of opposition coalitions, the APC’s grassroots machinery, and the impact of high-profile political endorsements in the nation’s capital.