After the February 21, 2026, Area Council elections in the FCT, residents are calling on new chairmen to focus on development, security, service delivery, transparency, and inclusive governance.

They recommended visible development, inclusive governance, and stronger security.

The elections, conducted across the six area councils, which are Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali, saw a mix of victories for the two dominant political parties. On February 22, 2026, the results were compiled, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that the results passed through the IReV portal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Christopher Maikalangu (APC) as re-elected chairman of AMAC, while Joshua Ishaku (APC) secured victory in the Bwari Area Council. In Gwagwalada, Mohammed Kasim (PDP) emerged winner of the chairmanship seat. Results for Abaji, Kuje, and Kwali also produced new council leaders, further reshaping grassroots leadership across the FCT.

After the election, some residents have made their expectations known on areas they want the newly elected chairmen to work on.

For instance, in Wuse, AMAC, a civil servant, Mrs Ngozi Okafor, said the new term must focus on fixing basic infrastructure within the area council.

“We have voted again, and we expect visible improvements. Roads within the communities are still in bad shape, and waste management remains a significant issue. The chairman must show that this mandate means development.”

Similarly, Mr Tunde Adebayo, a small business owner in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, stressed the importance of economic empowerment.

“Local businesses are struggling. The council should create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and ensure markets are better organised. We need policies that support small businesses, not just promises during campaigns.”

Meanwhile, young voters, who came out to cast their votes, say they want to see deliberate inclusion in governance.

A youth advocate in Gwagwalada, Miss Aisha Bello, said, “Young people participated in this election. We expect appointments and programmes that reflect our involvement. Skills acquisition and job creation should be top priorities.”

In Bwari, Mrs. Fatima Abdullahi, a community organiser, urged the new leadership to prioritise women’s representation.

“Women participated actively in this election. We expect appointments that reflect gender balance and policies that support women-led businesses.”

From Kuje, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a community volunteer and a motorcyclist, said, “The chairmen must provide periodic updates to residents. Town hall meetings should not stop after elections. We want to know how funds are being spent.”

Female leaders emphasised that urgent issues like healthcare and education require attention.

In AMAC, Mrs. Grace Samuel, a trader, stated that “Primary healthcare centres need drugs and qualified staff. Women and children suffer the most when local health facilities are not functioning.”

Mr. Chinedu Eze, a teacher in Kwali, said education infrastructure requires urgent attention.

“Public primary schools need renovation and learning materials. The councils must collaborate with relevant authorities to improve standards.”

While insecurity has become an issue in some parts of the FCT area councils, residents urged the newly selected chairmen to strategise towards putting an end to the issues as they plan to resume office.

Also, residents called for transparent governance, urging the chairmen to uphold campaign promises and ensure that council budgets are effectively implemented

In parts of Bwari and Gwagwalada, concerns over petty crime and community safety persist.

“Community policing initiatives should be strengthened,” said Miss Fatima Abdullahi, a resident of Bwari. “We need safer neighbourhoods, especially for women and children.”

In Nyanya, AMAC, Mrs Ifunanya Okeke, a businesswoman, said residents expect visible projects within months.

“We don’t want to hear only about plans. We want to see roads fixed, drainage constructed, and markets improved. Development must be practical and measurable,” she said.

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