FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTIONS: A CALL FOR MASS PARTICIPATION

February 21st, 2026, has been slated as the date for the election of Chairmen and Councillors across Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Historically, these grassroots elections have carried little to no significance to the greatest majority of residents of the FCT, as evident in the apathy displayed by eligible voters during previous Area Council elections. Residents consider the elections as not worth their investment of interest and time, while others believe that people voted into these positions, fail to identify with and show leadership in their wards or communities. These views are true reflections of the political realities in the FCT.

This is our chance, a chance to rally together and entrench an active and effective grassroots governance in our communities. 

However, over the past few years, particularly since 2023, the masses become significantly aware of how important their participation in elections and the political process can be. Many appear to have understood the true meaning of Mass Mobilisation and have expressed poise with regard to future elections. For us in the FCT, this is our chance, a chance to rally together and entrench an active and effective grassroots governance in our communities.

Communities around the world are evolving, and the forces propelling the evolution leave people with no choice but to work closely with each other in order to achieve common communal goals. For instance, many communities in the FCT, driven by cases of burglary and theft, have come together to make security arrangements to prevent crimes in their domains and to support the Nigerian Police Force. Such arrangements should ideally be spearheaded by the Councillor in charge of that community. Sadly, that is hardly the case.

Here in Kubwa, we have basic challenges bordering on sanitation, infrastructural deteriorations, and a lack of communal cohesion. It would take an active mass of residents who believe in sustainable development, improvement of social experiences, and innovation, to become conscious of the importance of leadership at the lowest level of society–Kubwa, our society.

All over the town, we see campaign materials from individuals who have gone through qualifying processes and have put themselves forward, aiming for the chance to lead and represent our wards. We must now show real interest in these candidates and organise forums to have them speak to us about their plans for us.

But as a matter of necessity, we must get ourselves to the polling units and choose who we believe has the capacity to represent and protect our collective interests.

We at insidekubwa.com hereby urge you to play an active role at this time of elections, and together we can begin to build a society that leadership will be conscious of and accountable to.