By Peter Adelowo
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has called on residents of Bwari Area Council to take ownership of the democratic process by electing credible leaders in Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.
Professor Gombe made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, where party leaders paid homage and sought royal blessings ahead of the polls.
Addressing community stakeholders, the SDP National Chairman emphasized that local government remains the tier of government closest to the people and most directly responsible for addressing grassroots concerns.
He noted that area council leadership is pivotal to service delivery, community development, and social stability, stressing that those seeking election are not strangers to the people but individuals who live among them and understand their challenges.
Professor Gombe urged voters to carefully assess candidates based on competence, accessibility, and integrity, adding that the responsibility of shaping the future of the council ultimately lies with the electorate.
Highlighting the party’s policy direction, he stated that the SDP prioritizes people-centered governance focused on economic empowerment, security, and improved service delivery at the grassroots.
He reiterated the party’s commitment to implementing its manifesto in ways that directly benefit local communities.
The SDP chairman also called for peaceful and credible elections, encouraging residents to participate actively in the voting process and to ensure that their votes reflect their collective aspirations for development.
He expressed confidence in the party’s chairmanship candidate in Bwari, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, describing him as capable of delivering effective leadership in line with the SDP’s policy objectives.
Professor Gombe concluded by praying for a hitch-free electoral process and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to strengthening governance from the grassroots upward.
In his contribution. Former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, called for strengthened grassroots governance and responsible civic participation as residents of Bwari Area Council prepare for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elections scheduled for Saturday.
He emphasized the strategic importance of local government administration in delivering democratic dividends directly to the people.
He described area council elections as critical to national development, noting that local governments remain the closest tier of government to the grassroots and are best positioned to address immediate community needs.
According to him, effective local governance can reduce pressure on the federal structure by ensuring that essential services and development initiatives are efficiently managed at the community level.
The former presidential candidate urged residents to exercise their civic rights peacefully and responsibly, encouraging them to vote based on informed choices rather than inducements.
He maintained that voter turnout and vigilance remain key safeguards against electoral malpractice.
Adebayo expressed confidence in the SDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, describing him as a grassroots leader with deep community ties and a track record of service.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between elected local officials and traditional institutions, noting that royal fathers possess valuable knowledge of their communities and should be actively engaged in governance processes.
The SDP chieftain reiterated his party’s commitment to constitutional reforms that would strengthen local government autonomy and promote inclusive administration at the grassroots.
He assured the royal palace and residents that the party would conduct its campaign without violence or divisive rhetoric, pledging that its candidates would prioritize unity, accountability, and community development if elected.
Adebayo concluded by seeking the royal blessing of the Sarkin of Bwari and calling for peaceful, credible, and participatory elections across the FCT.
The Chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Bwari Area Council, Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged to promote inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development if elected in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Musa Ijakoro II, Abdullahi said the visit was to seek royal blessings and reaffirm his commitment to responsible leadership rooted in community values.
Accompanied by his running mate, Mr. Pope Ngoposha, the SDP candidate described his ambition as one driven by service and collective progress.
He expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the election, attributing it to what he called strong grassroots support.
Addressing questions on his policy direction, Abdullahi stated that his administration, if elected, would prioritise inclusivity in governance.
According to him, Bwari requires a leadership structure that accommodates all segments of the community, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
He noted that effective local governance must reflect the diversity of the area council and ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
He added that his vision includes strengthening transparency, community engagement, and participatory decision-making processes.
Abdullahi further assured residents that his administration would focus on policies that enhance service delivery, improve infrastructure, and promote social cohesion across the council.
He concluded by calling for peaceful participation in the electoral process and urged voters to make informed choices in the interest of sustainable development in Bwari Area Council.
In his response, the Sarkin of Bwari Area Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Musa Ijakoro II, Abdullahi urged political stakeholders and residents to ensure peaceful and responsible participation in Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.
The monarch emphasized unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among residents, noting that Bwari is a diverse community that thrives on harmony and cooperation.
He reminded political actors and supporters that elections are determined by the will of the people, stressing that every vote counts in a democratic process.
According to him, the electorate holds the power to decide their future through lawful and peaceful voting, adding that leadership ultimately comes by the will of God.
The Sarkin also assured the visiting delegation of his prayers for a peaceful and hitch-free election, urging all candidates to conduct themselves with decorum and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.
He concluded by praying for stability, progress, and continued development in Bwari Area Council and the Federal Capital Territory at large.
The FCT Area Council elections are expected to hold across the six area councils, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparency, security, and high voter turnout.
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