FCT elections: SDP chairman pushes for citizens' ownership of democratic process
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has tasked residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take ownership of the democratic process of the
The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has tasked residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take ownership of the democratic process of the area by ensuring the election of credible leaders in Saturday’s Area Council elections.
He made the appeal at the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Musa Ijakoro II, when he led party leaders to pay homage and sought royal blessings for the party and its candidates ahead of Saturday’s polls.
Emphasising that the local government, being the closest to the people remain the tier of government most directly responsible for addressing grassroots concerns, hence the need for the people to take hold of the democratic process at this level.
He also 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.
Gombe, therefore, 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.
The SDP leader assured people of the Area council that the party will prioritize people-centered governance that focuses on economic empowerment, security, and improved service delivery at the grassroots.
He also assured the people that the party’s chairmanship candidate in Bwari, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi, is enormously endowed to deliver effective leadership in line with the SDP’s policy objectives.
Stressing the critical importance of the local government in national development, SDP former Presidential candidate, Barrister Adewole Adebayo, argued that effective local governance would reduce pressure on the federal structure by ensuring that essential services and development initiatives are efficiently managed at the community level.
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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.
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.
Addressing questions on his policy direction, Abdullahi stated that his administration, if elected, would prioritise inclusivity in governance.
According to him, the Area Council 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.
