Ahead of Saturday’s FCT Area Council Elections, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Prince Adewole Adebayo, has listed means of checkmating rigging in the election.
He was speaking on Wednesday in Bwari Area Council, during a campaign rally of the SDP chairmanship candidate, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, his running mate, Hon. Hope Nwokocha and the councillors to woo voters for them.
The procession had earlier visited the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Muhammad Auwal Ijakoro II, to pay homage and seek his royal blessing.
He also led the delegation to the palace of Esu SA. Bwaya, Ibrahim Yaro, where the campaign train urged the electorates to prioritise value and development of the Bwari Area Council.
Adebayo said that the best way to checkmate rigging is to ensure the party bring a candidate that people will like.
According to him, this is to deepen the people’s interest in the election, as they will be interested in the outcome and would also come out en masse.
“When they come out en masse, they will come and vote, and they will wait to see that the vote counts. And in an area council election, you only have three steps; the polling units, the ward, and the area council.
“So it is easier to checkmate any kind of manipulation. And you see how people love SDP in Bwari. So where you are popular, where you are strong, where you are well organized, rigging is only for those who want to risk their reputation.
“Now withstanding the nonsensical commentary from the minister of the FCT, that he alone, who is not from here, who was not elected by anybody, is the one to determine who is going to win. We have come here to let the people know that no, it is not Wike, it is you who will determine who will be your chairman and your councillor,” Adebayo said.
He also said that their Bwari visit was to get the people to understand the programs of the SDP and to ensure that they also respect their right to vote and exercise that right lawfully, patriotically, without selling their votes.
He said, “And just listen to all the candidates, because we are sure that if they listen to all the candidates, they will know that the SDP candidate, Abubakar Abdullahi, is the best among them, has the best programs, has the best record, has the best reputation. And that is why we are here, and to let them know that local government elections is not a joke.
“It is even more important than the presidential election. You have to know that the closest government to the people that will solve their immediate problem is the local government or area council. And if you have an area council that works, because in this Bwari, they collect about a billion every month, and none of this is showing.
“And we want the people here to come out en masse and vote, and to understand that the promises in the constitution, contained in Chapter 2 of the constitution, fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy, will be implemented in Bwari, and Bwari will see that actually Nigeria can work if the people can put a good government in place. And an area council is one area where you cannot pretend that you don’t know the candidates.
“The candidate is not from Sokoto, is not from Ondo, is not from Rivers. The candidate lives with you. And you notice that when we came to the palace, His Royal Highness and many people in the palace said, yeah, we know the candidates.
“And that is what we want the people to know. Know your candidates, and know your choices, and make sure that you commit to where you believe your community will get better.”
Also speaking the National Chairman of the SDP, Prof. Abubakar Gombe, called on residents of Bwari Area Council to take ownership of the democratic process by electing credible leaders in Saturday’s FCT elections.
Addressing community stakeholders, the SDP National Chairman emphasised that local government remains the tier of government closest to the people and most directly responsible for addressing grassroots concerns.
According to him, 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.
“I urge voters to carefully assess candidates based on competence, accessibility, and integrity. The responsibility of shaping the future of the council ultimately lies with the electorate,” Gombe said.
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.
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.
On his part, the Chairmanship candidate of the SDP in Bwari Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged to promote inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development if elected in the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections.
He said that the visit to the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, was to seek royal blessings and reaffirm his commitment to responsible leadership rooted in community values.
He said that his ambition and that of his running mate is 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.
In his response, the The Sarkin of Bwari Area Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Auwal Ijakoro II, 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.
