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APC Sweeps AMAC as Maikalangu Wins Second Term in Landslide

By
Toyin Adebayo
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It was victory again for Christopher Maikalangu as the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinched the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship seat in a commanding win.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the incumbent chairman re-elected after he polled a massive 40,295 votes, far ahead of his rivals.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) trailed with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed 3,398 votes.

Announcing the result, AMAC Collation Officer, Prof. Andrew Abue, confirmed that Maikalangu scored the highest number of valid votes and met all legal requirements to be returned elected.

Out of 65,197 total votes cast, 62,861 were declared valid, while 2,336 were rejected. INEC also disclosed that 65,676 voters were accredited from over 837,000 registered voters.

Party agents who monitored the process described the election as peaceful and transparent.

With this landslide victory, the APC has tightened its grip on the nation’s capital council, as Maikalangu prepares to continue in office for another term.

PDP Floors APC in Gwagwalada, Kasim Mohammed Clinches Chairmanship Seat

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

It was jubilation galore in Gwagwalada as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Kasim Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Area Council chairmanship election.
Mohammed polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788 votes in the keenly contested race.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said the PDP candidate met all constitutional requirements and was duly returned elected. He described the poll as peaceful and smooth.
Though there were murmurs in some quarters over alleged voter intimidation and vote-buying, INEC insisted the exercise reflected the true wishes of the people.
Moments after the declaration, PDP supporters stormed major streets in Gwagwalada in wild celebration, waving party flags and chanting solidarity songs.
With this victory, the PDP has tightened its grip on the council, while attention now shifts to how the opposition will respond to the outcome.

NSCDC Commends Peaceful Conduct in FCT Council Polls

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has hailed the peaceful conduct of voters and security operatives during Saturday’s Area Council elections.
FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, who monitored polling units across the territory, described the exercise as orderly and free of major security breaches.
“We have gone round and everything is going smoothly. There is no cause for alarm,” he said, noting that both voters and security agencies conducted themselves responsibly.
Odumosu disclosed that the corps made extensive deployments across the six area councils ahead of the polls, contributing to the calm atmosphere recorded in most locations.
He added that security agencies would remain vigilant through the collation and announcement of results, stressing that each electoral cycle presents unique challenges requiring proactive measures.
“So far, the election is progressing smoothly. We are awaiting the conclusion of voting and the announcement of results. If any situation arises, we are duty-bound to address it,” he stated.
The commandant also reiterated earlier warnings to officers against accidental discharge while on election duty, emphasising professionalism and restraint.
According to the NSCDC, about 4,000 personnel were deployed across the FCT to provide security before, during and after the polls.
More than 1.5 million registered voters are expected to elect chairmen and councillors in the six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — with a total of 68 positions being contested.

FCT Decides: Voting Ends, Collation Underway in Six Area Councils

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Voting has concluded in the 2026 Area Council elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with collation of results now underway in all six councils.
Residents cast their ballots to elect chairmen and councillors in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
The exercise was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to electoral guidelines, results for councillorship positions are being collated and declared at the INEC Registration Area Centres (RACs), while chairmanship results will be collated and announced at the respective Area Council headquarters upon receipt of results from the various registration areas.
Election officials said the declaration of winners would commence as soon as all results are received and verified.
The polls, held across the nation’s capital, will determine the leadership of the six area councils for the next electoral cycle.

Peaceful FCT Polls Marred by Low City Turnout, Says Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday described the Area Council elections as peaceful and orderly, despite recording low voter turnout in parts of the city centre.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the minister said the process had been largely calm, with no reports of violence or ballot snatching.
“First of all, we thank God that everywhere is peaceful,” Wike said. “The only issue observed is low voter turnout, particularly within the city centres, which has always been the case during off-cycle elections. However, in some satellite towns, turnout is quite impressive.”
He stressed that maintaining peace remained the most important achievement of the exercise.
“What is key is that the election is peaceful — no violence, no smuggling of people, no disruption,” he stated.
The minister commended security agencies for their professionalism, noting that previous elections in some polling units had witnessed disturbances.
“The security operatives have done their job very well. We used to have violence in some units, but this time we have not recorded such incidents,” he added.
On the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results, Wike expressed optimism.
“They have not started counting votes yet. It is after counting that issues of transmission may arise. But from what we have seen so far, everything appears to be going well. I commend INEC,” he said.
Responding to criticism over the restriction of movement ahead of the polls, Wike clarified that the decision was taken with presidential approval to ensure a smooth electoral process.
“I did not impose it unilaterally. With the approval of Mr. President, movement was restricted to guarantee a hitch-free exercise,” he said.
He urged residents to remain calm as voting concludes and collation begins, warning that tensions sometimes arise after ballots are cast.
“The voting process has been peaceful and orderly. I appeal to everyone to allow the process to be concluded peacefully,” Wike said.
The FCT Area Council elections are being conducted across the six area councils, with chairmanship and councillorship seats at stake.

Abuja Council Polls: Youths Shun Ballot for Football Amid Low Turnout

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Youth participation was noticeably low across parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday as many young residents stayed away from the Area Council elections, opting instead for recreational activities such as football.
In several communities monitored, groups of youths were seen playing football and socialising while voting was underway at polling units.
The trend was observed in Lugbe, Gwarinpa, Gwagwalada, Kuje and communities along Airport Road, where streets remained relatively calm despite the ongoing electoral process.
The development occurred notwithstanding the restriction of movement announced ahead of the polls by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Although vehicular movement was expected to be limited, some commercial taxi drivers were seen operating in parts of the outskirts of the territory.
Observers say the low turnout among young voters underscores growing concerns about voter apathy in council elections, even as electoral activities continued across polling units in the nation’s capital.
The Area Council polls are being held across the six councils of the FCT amid tight security and movement restrictions aimed at ensuring a peaceful exercise.

SDP Chairman Gombe Backs AMAC Flagbearer, Promises People-Centred Governance

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has expressed strong confidence in the party’s candidates for the forthcoming Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election, assuring residents that the SDP has presented competent and credible individuals ready to lead.
Speaking at the grand finale of the party’s campaign rally in Abuja, Gombe said leadership must be rooted in addressing the immediate needs and well-being of the people.
According to him, a true leader should create an environment where citizens feel secure, enjoy peace and directly benefit from governance.
He noted that the SDP chairmanship candidate had already demonstrated commitment to grassroots development by supporting indigent residents of AMAC through a personal foundation, adding that such interventions would be expanded if given access to Area Council resources.
“With the resources of the council, these efforts will be scaled up for the benefit of all residents,” he said, describing the SDP as a welfare-driven and people-oriented party.
Gombe urged residents to turn out en masse on election day, remain peaceful and ensure their votes are protected until the final results are announced. He expressed optimism that victory was within reach, citing the party’s programmes and the response received from the public during the campaign.
In his remarks, former SDP presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, called on Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders at all levels of government.
He criticised what he described as poor leadership at the national level, arguing that it has adversely affected public services and economic stability. Adebayo stressed that government exists to serve the people and called for transparency in elections, including proper transmission of results.
He also warned against fiscal irresponsibility, noting that excessive borrowing and poorly managed projects could place heavy burdens on future generations.
On his part, the SDP Chairmanship candidate for AMAC, Dr. Obinna Simon, declared that residents were ready for a new era of inclusive and accountable governance.
Dr. Simon said AMAC belongs to all residents indigenes and non-indigenes alike and must be administered fairly and equitably.
He pledged to prioritise functional public schools, improved primary healthcare, youth empowerment and transparent budgeting. He assured residents that an SDP-led administration would focus on practical service delivery, strengthen public institutions and ensure that leadership is earned through service.
Dr. Simon reaffirmed his commitment to building an AMAC anchored on social justice, transparency and sustainable development.

NNPC Revenue Reform: Tinubu Showing Grit, Transparency Drive — Nwosu

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Former Chief of Staff to a former Imo State Governor, Uche Nwosu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for mandating that revenues from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited be paid directly into the Federation Account before any disbursement to the national oil company.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Nwosu described the directive as a bold fiscal reform aimed at entrenching transparency and strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“For years, Nigerians have demanded greater clarity in the management of petroleum revenues. By ensuring that NNPC earnings first go into the Federation Account, the President has created a framework that allows proper scrutiny and institutional oversight,” he said.
Nwosu noted that the move would curb financial excesses and address longstanding concerns over revenue remittances within the oil sector.
“This decision will enable Nigerians to know exactly how much the country is earning from its oil resources. It reinforces public trust and aligns with global best practices in public financial management,” he added.
According to him, the reform reflects courage and reform-driven leadership, stressing that Tinubu’s action signals a determination to strengthen institutions and enforce fiscal discipline.
He further stated that effective implementation of the directive would enhance macroeconomic planning, improve revenue projections and strengthen fiscal relations among the three tiers of government.
Nwosu urged the administration to sustain the momentum of governance reforms, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from sustained transparency and institutional strengthening.

AMAC Poll: PDP Candidate Withdraws, Backs APC’s Maikalangu Ahead of FCT Elections

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Barely 24 hours after a similar development in Bwari Area Council, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Dantani attributed his decision to the intervention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the leader of the party in the territory. He disclosed that he had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his withdrawal ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls.

Addressing supporters, Dantani said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family and political associates. He characterised the contest as a “brotherhood election” and urged his supporters across the 12 wards of AMAC to rally behind Maikalangu.

He also linked his action to broader political considerations, including support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his letter to INEC, Dantani stated that his withdrawal was voluntary and made after careful reflection. He emphasised that the decision was taken of his own free will.
The latest development signals a significant realignment in the political landscape of the FCT, coming on the heels of the withdrawal of the PDP chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council in favour of the APC candidate.

Wase: Alake Shuts Mining Site, Orders Full-Scale Probe into Deadly Gas Incident

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has ordered the immediate closure of areas covered by Mining Licence 11810 in Zuraq, Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, following the tragic deaths of villagers allegedly exposed to poisonous gaseous emissions while mining.

The affected site, operated by Solid Unit Nigeria Limited and owned by Abdullahi Dan-China, was sealed off as part of urgent measures to prevent further casualties.
In a condolence call to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, Alake expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the victims as innocent citizens who died in the course of seeking a livelihood.

He urged the governor to convey his heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the grieving families and the people of Wase.

The Minister has also dispatched a high-powered investigative team led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Yusuf Yabo, to unravel both the immediate and remote causes of the incident and recommend appropriate sanctions.

The team comprises experts in mining operations, environmental compliance and artisanal mining cooperatives.

Alake is personally coordinating the investigation and support services to ensure proper management of the situation.
Preliminary findings indicate that the company had ceded the abandoned pit to members of the community following agitation for empowerment. The site, reportedly an old lead mining location, is believed to contain stored minerals capable of emitting sulphuric oxide a toxic gas.

Unaware of the health risks, villagers allegedly carried out mining activities in the pit while inhaling the hazardous fumes, leading to the fatal incident.

Mining Licence 11810 is located between longitudes 10.34.45 and 10.35.50, and latitudes 9.13.45 and 9.14.40.
The Minister assured that further details would be made public as investigations progress.

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