The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has urged residents of Bwari Area Council to take charge of their democratic future by electing credible leaders in Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.
Gombe made the call during a courtesy visit by party leaders to the palace of the Awal Musa Ijakoro II, where they sought royal blessings ahead of the polls.
Addressing community stakeholders, the SDP chairman stressed that local government remains the closest tier of government to the people and plays a decisive role in addressing grassroots concerns. He noted that area council leadership directly impacts service delivery, infrastructure development, and social stability.
According to him, those contesting are not distant figures but members of the community who understand local challenges. He urged voters to assess candidates based on competence, accessibility, and integrity, reminding them that the responsibility for shaping Bwari’s future rests with the electorate.
Highlighting the party’s agenda, Gombe said the SDP is committed to people-centered governance anchored on economic empowerment, improved security, and efficient service delivery. He reaffirmed the party’s resolve to implement its manifesto in ways that deliver tangible benefits to local communities.
He also called for peaceful and credible elections, encouraging residents to participate actively and ensure their votes reflect their aspirations for development.
In his remarks, former SDP presidential candidate, Adewale Adebayo, described area council elections as critical to national development, emphasizing that effective grassroots governance can ease pressure on the federal structure by ensuring essential services are managed locally.
Adebayo urged voters to exercise their civic rights responsibly and reject inducements, noting that voter turnout and vigilance remain vital safeguards against electoral malpractice. He also stressed the need for collaboration between elected officials and traditional institutions, saying royal fathers possess invaluable community knowledge that should complement governance efforts.
The party’s chairmanship candidate for Bwari, Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development if elected. Accompanied by his running mate, Mr. Pope Ngoposha, Abdullahi said his ambition is rooted in service and collective progress.
He promised a leadership style that reflects Bwari’s diversity, assuring residents of transparency, participatory decision-making, improved infrastructure, and strengthened social cohesion.
Responding, the Sarkin of Bwari, Awal Musa Ijakoro II, called on political actors and residents to ensure peaceful participation in the elections. He emphasized unity, mutual respect, and the power of the ballot, reminding stakeholders that leadership ultimately reflects the will of the people and the grace of God.
The monarch prayed for a hitch-free exercise and urged candidates to avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.
The FCT Area Council elections are scheduled to hold across the six area councils, with stakeholders underscoring the need for transparency, security, and robust voter turnout.
Grassroots First: Social Democratic Party Rallies Bwari Voters Ahead of FCT Polls
