Elect Credible Candidates – SDP National Chairman Urges Bwari Residents

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, has called on residents of Bwari Area Council to take ownership of the democratic process by electing credible leaders in Saturday’s FCT Area Council election.

Professor Gombe made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, where party leaders paid homage and sought royal blessings ahead of the polls.

He emphasized that the local government remains the tier of government closest to the people and most directly responsible for addressing grassroots concerns.

According to him, area council leadership is pivotal to service delivery, community development, and social stability, noting that the candidates seeking office are individuals known within the community.

The SDP National Chairman urged voters to assess candidates based on competence, accessibility, and integrity, stressing that the responsibility for shaping the council’s future lies with the electorate.

Highlighting the party’s policy direction, he said the SDP prioritizes people-centered governance focused on economic empowerment, security, and improved service delivery at the grassroots.

He also called for peaceful and credible elections, encouraging active participation and vigilance to ensure that votes reflect the will of the people.

In his remarks, former Presidential Candidate of the SDP, Adewole Adebayo, underscored the importance of strengthening grassroots governance ahead of the polls.

Adebayo described area council elections as critical to national development, noting that effective local governance can reduce pressure on the federal structure by addressing immediate community needs.

He urged residents to exercise their civic rights responsibly and avoid inducements, maintaining that voter turnout and vigilance remain the safeguards against electoral malpractice.

The former presidential candidate also emphasized collaboration between elected officials and traditional institutions to promote inclusive administration and sustainable development.

The SDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Abubakar Abdullahi, pledged to promote inclusive governance and grassroots-driven development if elected.

Speaking at the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, Alhaji Awwal Musa Ijakoro II, Abdullahi said his administration would prioritize transparency, community engagement, and equitable distribution of resources.

He stated that his vision for Bwari includes strengthening social cohesion, improving infrastructure, and ensuring effective service delivery across the council.

In his response, the Sarkin Bwari urged political actors and residents to maintain peace and unity before, during, and after the elections.

The royal father reminded stakeholders that every vote counts in a democratic process and prayed for a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free election across Bwari Area Council and the Federal Capital Territory.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji