By Peter Adelowo
Former Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Adewole Adebayo, has called for renewed commitment to grassroots governance and inclusive development ahead of Saturday’s Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Gwagwalada, Adebayo said the election presents residents with an opportunity to redefine leadership at the local level and demand accountability from elected officials.
He noted that the creation of the FCT under the administration of Murtala Muhammed in 1976 was intended to provide equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of social status.
According to him, disparities in infrastructure and social services between districts such as Asokoro and Maitama and satellite, communities like Gwagwalada highlight the, need for policy-driven leadership focused on equitable development.
Adebayo identified key challenges confronting residents to include irregular electricity supply, inadequate potable water, poor road networks, under-resourced schools, and insecurity.
He stressed that sustainable national development must begin at the grassroots rather than relying solely on federal-level interventions.
The former presidential candidate urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven service in choosing their leaders, rather than ethnicity, religion, or financial inducement.
He described the party’s chairmanship candidate as a community-oriented legal practitioner committed to expanding access to education and social justice, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Adebayo further emphasised that improving healthcare, infrastructure, and security in satellite towns is essential not only for residents but for the overall stability of the FCT, noting that socio-economic neglect in any community ultimately affects the wider society.
He therefore called on eligible voters to participate actively in the forthcoming Area Council election, stressing that meaningful national transformation begins with accountable leadership at the local government level.
On his party, the Chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Gwagwalada Area Council, Barrister Khalid Bala-Gano, expressed optimism about his party’s chances in Saturday’s election.
Bala-Gano described the event as the culmination of weeks of grassroots engagement, stakeholder consultations, and issue-based campaigning.
He stated that despite challenges encountered during the campaign period, the party remained focused on presenting practical policy solutions to address infrastructure deficits, improve primary healthcare delivery, strengthen basic education, and enhance security within the council.
According to him, the election represents an opportunity for residents to choose leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
Barrister Bala-Gano expressed confidence that with community support and what he described as divine grace, the party would secure victory at the polls.
He reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented governance, promising to prioritise sustainable development programmes that directly impact the lives of residents across wards in the Area Council.
The candidate also urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and participate actively in the democratic process.
Saturday’s poll will determine leadership across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
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