Ahead of Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, has urged Abuja residents to vote based on competence, integrity, and a track record of service rather than ethnicity, religion, or financial inducements.
Adebayo made the plea on Tuesday during a campaign rally in Gwagwalada, stressing that the forthcoming election offers citizens a chance to reshape leadership at the grassroots and insist on accountability from those elected.
He also said that the candidates of the SDP, have proven track records that can be deploy to make the FCT better for all.
He recalled that the FCT was established in 1976 under the administration of Murtala Muhammed to ensure equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians, irrespective of background or status.
Addressing supporters at the rally in, Adebayo said the election presents residents with an opportunity to redefine leadership at the local level and demand accountability from elected officials.
According to him, the creation of the FCT under the administration of late Gen. Murtala Muhammed in 1976 was intended to provide equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of social status.
He noted that 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.
“When the administration of Murtala Muhammed created the Federal Capital Territory in 1976, it was not designed for the rich alone or the poor alone. It was meant to be a modern city for everyone to enjoy the benefits of this country.
“But today, what do we see? No steady electricity, clean water, good schools and roads. If we must repair Nigeria, we cannot repair it from the Villa. We must repair it from the grassroots — and there is no grassroots more real than Gwagwalada.
“Many of the people who cook for senators, clean for ministers, and serve powerful officials live here. Every day they struggle into the city, and when they return home, they face darkness, poor roads, and hardship. This is not how it should be,” Adebayo said.
He also 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.
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 part, the Chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Gwagwalada Area Council, 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.
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.
“This is our final rally. We have endured the pressure, we have faced the challenges, and we have stood firm. We have made it clear that in this election, by the grace of God -nsha Allah- we shall win,” Bala-Gano said.
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