Area Council poll: SDP’s Adebayo mobilizes voters for party’s candidates in Gwagwalada

…Calls for renew commitment to grassroots dev’t

By Chris Ochayi

AHEAD of Saturday’s Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has called for renewed commitment to grassroots governance and inclusive development

Prince Adebayo, made the call while addressing party supporters at a campaign rally in Gwagwalada, where he sought for massive vote for the SDP’s chairmanship candidate, Khalid Bala-Gano.

Adebayo noted that the election presents residents with an opportunity to redefine leadership at the local level and demand accountability from elected officials.

According to him, the creation of the FCT under the administration of late Murtala Muhammed in 1976 was intended to provide equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of social status.

He pointed out that disparities in infrastructure and social services between districts such as Asokoro and Maitama and satellite communities like Gwagwalada highlight the need for policy-driven leadership focused on equitable development.

He therefore identified key challenges confronting residents to include irregular electricity supply, inadequate potable water, poor road networks, under-resourced schools, and insecurity.

He stressed that sustainable national development must begin at the grassroots rather than relying solely on federal-level interventions.

The former presidential candidate urged voters to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven service in choosing their leaders, rather than ethnicity, religion, or financial inducement.

He described the party’s chairmanship candidate as a community-oriented legal practitioner committed to expanding access to education and social justice, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Adebayo further emphasised that improving healthcare, infrastructure, and security in satellite towns is essential not only for residents but for the overall stability of the FCT, noting that socio-economic neglect in any community ultimately affects the wider society.

He therefore called on eligible voters to participate actively in the forthcoming Area Council election, stressing that meaningful national transformation begins with accountable leadership at the local government level.

On his party, the Chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Gwagwalada Area Council, Khalid Bala-Gano, expressed optimism about his party’s chances in Saturday’s election.

Bala-Gano described the event as the culmination of weeks of grassroots engagement, stakeholder consultations, and issue-based campaigning.

He stated that despite challenges encountered during the campaign period, the party remained focused on presenting practical policy solutions to address infrastructure deficits, improve primary healthcare delivery, strengthen basic education, and enhance security within the council.

According to him, the election represents an opportunity for residents to choose leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.

Bala-Gano expressed confidence that with community support and what he described as divine grace, the party would secure victory at the polls.

The candidate reaffirmed his commitment to people-oriented governance, promising to prioritise sustainable development programmes that directly impact the lives of residents across wards in the Area Council.

He also urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and participate actively in the democratic process.