The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its campaign ahead of Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, with prominent opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi urging residents to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, visited Gwarinpa on Wednesday alongside former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and ADC leaders, where they rallied support for the party’s candidates across the FCT’s six area councils. The councils include Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Addressing supporters, Atiku framed the local government polls as a referendum on Nigeria’s democratic credibility, warning against voter intimidation and electoral malpractice. He called on residents to turn out en masse and defend their votes, describing the exercise as a crucial test for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“This election is a test of our democracy and the credibility of our electoral process,” Atiku said. “We urge voters not to be intimidated. Come out, vote, and ensure your votes count.”
He also criticised the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of deepening economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty nationwide. According to him, electing ADC candidates in the FCT councils would signal public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies.
Peter Obi echoed similar sentiments, urging Abuja residents to prioritise competence and accountability at the grassroots level. He said effective local governance in the FCT was essential to improving service delivery, community development, and citizens’ trust in public institutions.
The ADC, positioning itself as an alternative platform ahead of future national contests, has been courting opposition alliances and grassroots support, with the FCT polls seen by analysts as an early gauge of opposition strength in the nation’s capital.
The FCT Area Council elections are scheduled to hold this Saturday across all six councils, with security agencies and electoral officials expected to deploy personnel and materials to ensure a smooth exercise.
Residents across the territory have been urged by political actors and civil society groups to participate peacefully, vote according to conscience, and help strengthen democratic governance at the local level.
Abuja Network News
