With the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections just days away, political stakeholders in Abuja are intensifying efforts to encourage voter participation and strengthen grassroots democratic engagement. At the forefront of this push is the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Abubakar Gombe, who has called on residents of the FCT , particularly in the Bwari Area Council , to take active ownership of the democratic process by electing credible and competent leaders.
Addressing community members and traditional rulers during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Sarkin Bwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Musa Ijakoro II, Gombe stressed that local government represents the level of government closest to the people, one responsible for addressing real, everyday concerns such as infrastructure, security, and service delivery. He emphasised that grassroots leadership matters most because it directly affects the lives of residents , a reminder that democracy begins with the choices citizens make at the polling unit.
Professor Gombe’s appeal came as part of SDP’s broader campaign efforts ahead of the elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, when voters across the six area councils in the FCT , Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali ,will elect chairmen and councillors. The SDP chairman encouraged residents not only to vote, but to defend their votes and ensure they are counted, reinforcing the idea that democratic ownership belongs to the electorate and not just political parties.
In making his case, Gombe also highlighted SDP’s policy commitments, assuring residents that the party does not intend to burden citizens with multiple taxes or punitive policies if elected. He described credible leadership as one grounded in accessibility, integrity, and community‑centered service , qualities he believes voters should prioritise when casting their ballots.
The appeal for citizen ownership comes amid heightened political activity in the FCT ahead of the polls. Other parties and candidates have also been mobilising support, with recent developments including strategic withdrawals and alliances in some councils that have reshaped the competitive landscape. Nonetheless, the SDP chairman’s message places emphasis on the power and responsibility of voters themselves to shape governance at the grassroots , a message that resonates with ongoing national conversations about democratic participation, accountability, and the role of ordinary citizens in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
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