President Bola Tinubu has congratulated winners of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the by-elections held in Kano and Rivers states, urging them to serve with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the mandate given to the victors as a sacred trust that must be honoured with patriotism and dedication to public service.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he called remarkable achievements in the territory, noting that the strides recorded under his leadership translated into political gains for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He also congratulated the APC national leadership, as well as the party’s structures in Kano and Rivers states, on their victories at the polls.
The President praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters for ensuring a peaceful and successful exercise. He lauded the courage and discipline displayed by contestants, stressing that democracy is strengthened by vibrant participation and healthy competition.
According to him, the smooth conduct of the elections further consolidates Nigeria’s democratic institutions, while urging INEC to continue improving electoral processes in future polls.
INEC conducted elections across the six area councils of the FCT for chairmanship and councillorship positions. By-elections were also held in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In the FCT, INEC declared the APC winner in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Kwali, and Bwari Area Councils. However, in Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious.
The Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that Kasim secured 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the APC, who polled 17,788 votes.
