The campaign for Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections gathered momentum in Bwari as leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) took their message directly to the traditional institution, underscoring the strategic importance of grassroots governance in national development.
Led by the party’s National Chairman, Abubakar Gombe, the SDP delegation paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Sarkin of Bwari, seeking royal blessings while rallying residents to take decisive ownership of the democratic process.
Addressing community stakeholders during the visit, Gombe stressed that local government remains the closest tier of administration to the people and the most critical in responding to everyday challenges.
He described the forthcoming election as more than a routine political exercise, but a defining moment for residents to shape leadership that directly impacts service delivery, infrastructure, and community development.
According to him, those contesting the council polls are not distant political actors but individuals embedded within the community who understand local realities.
He urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity, and accessibility when casting their ballots.
Reinforcing the party’s policy thrust, Gombe said the SDP’s grassroots blueprint focuses on economic empowerment, improved security, and responsive governance tailored to community needs.
He also called for peaceful and credible elections, encouraging residents to ensure that their votes reflect collective aspirations for progress.
The party’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, echoed similar sentiments, describing area council elections as pivotal to Nigeria’s broader democratic stability.
He argued that effective local governance could ease pressure on federal institutions by ensuring that essential services are efficiently managed at the community level.
Adebayo urged voters to reject inducements and vote responsibly, noting that strong voter turnout and vigilance remain the most reliable safeguards against electoral malpractice.
He also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between elected officials and traditional institutions, acknowledging the role of royal fathers in preserving community cohesion and guiding development efforts.
At the centre of the party’s Bwari campaign is its chairmanship candidate, Abubakar Abdullahi, who pledged to pursue inclusive governance and participatory leadership if elected.
Speaking during the palace visit, Abdullahi said his ambition is rooted in service and collective progress.
He promised to build an administration that reflects the ethnic, religious, and political diversity of Bwari, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Accompanied by his running mate, Pope Ngoposha, the candidate outlined plans to strengthen transparency, deepen community engagement, and institutionalise participatory decision-making in council affairs.
He also assured residents of his commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and fostering social cohesion across the area council.
Responding, the Sarkin of Bwari, Awal Musa Ijakoro II, called for peaceful and responsible participation in the elections.
The monarch emphasised unity and mutual respect, reminding political actors and their supporters that Bwari’s diversity is its strength and must not be undermined by divisive conduct.
He noted that leadership ultimately emerges through the will of the people, expressed lawfully at the ballot box, and urged all candidates to conduct their campaigns with decorum.
The royal father assured the visiting delegation of his prayers for a peaceful and hitch-free process, stressing that stability and harmony remain paramount for sustained development.
As the FCT prepares for elections across its six area councils, political stakeholders are increasingly framing the contest as a referendum on grassroots accountability and inclusive governance.
For the SDP in Bwari, the outreach to the traditional institution signals a deliberate strategy — positioning local government as the engine of democratic dividends and rallying residents to assert their power through peaceful, informed participation at the polls.
