The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday presented certificates of return to the re-elected Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, and his Vice Chairman, Mohammed Nadabo, after their victory in the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
The ceremony was held at the commission’s office in Abuja and marked the formal end of the election process across the six area councils in the FCT.
Alongside the AMAC chairman and his deputy, five other area council chairmen and their deputies also received their certificates. In addition, 62 councillors elected during the polls were presented with the same documents.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris, congratulated the winners and reminded them that their election represents a responsibility to serve the people who voted for them.
He stated that the presentation of certificates signals the completion of the electoral process. He also commended security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring that the elections were conducted peacefully.
After receiving his certificate, Maikalangu expressed gratitude to residents for renewing his mandate. He described the event as the final stage of the election journey and pledged to continue focusing on development at the grassroots level.
He said many of the projects planned for his new term would be directed toward rural communities, where most council activities take place.
He explained that development plans would be designed to meet the needs of each ward, mentioning Kabusa and Garki as areas that require close attention because of their size and population.
He also called on political opponents to work together with his administration in the interest of the council.
Vice Chairman Mohammed Nadabo also addressed attendees and assured residents that the council would maintain an open-door approach.
He said the leadership understands that different communities have different priorities, such as water supply, education or infrastructure, and promised that decisions would be guided by available resources and local needs.
The presentation of certificates officially clears the elected officials to begin their new terms in office across the area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.