SDP Champions Competence, Integrity for Gwagwalada Area Council Victory

As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prepares for Saturday’s Area Council elections, former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has urged residents to prioritize grassroots governance and inclusive development. Addressing supporters in Gwagwalada, Adebayo said the elections offer a crucial opportunity for citizens to redefine local leadership and demand accountability.
“The FCT was created in 1976 under Murtala Muhammed to guarantee equal access to infrastructure and opportunities for all Nigerians,” Adebayo said. “Yet disparities persist between districts like Asokoro and Maitama and satellite communities such as Gwagwalada, underscoring the need for leadership that prioritizes policy-driven, equitable development.”
He identified persistent challenges affecting FCT residents, including erratic electricity, poor roads, limited potable water, under-resourced schools, and rising insecurity. “Addressing these issues locally is vital,” he stressed. “Sustainable national progress cannot rely solely on federal initiatives. Real change begins at the grassroots.”
Adebayo urged voters to choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and proven service, rather than ethnicity, religion, or personal gain. “Leadership should deliver results, not patronage,” he said, calling for responsible participation in the democratic process.
Highlighting the SDP’s chairmanship candidate for Gwagwalada Area Council, Khalid Bala-Gano, Adebayo described him as a community-focused legal practitioner committed to expanding education, promoting social justice, and addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. “Mr. Bala-Gano embodies leadership that puts residents’ welfare first,” he said.
Bala-Gano, speaking at the rally, emphasized the party’s extensive grassroots engagement over the past weeks, including consultations with community stakeholders and targeted discussions on local challenges. “Our mission is to deliver practical solutions that improve residents’ daily lives,” he said, citing priorities such as better roads, stronger primary healthcare, improved education, and safer communities.
He expressed optimism about the SDP’s prospects, attributing progress to strong community support and divine guidance. Bala-Gano also urged eligible voters to participate actively and peacefully, highlighting that local elections are essential for transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.
The elections will determine leadership across the FCT’s six Area Councils, influencing development in both urban districts and satellite towns. For Adebayo and Bala-Gano, the message is clear: lasting national transformation begins at home, through committed, accountable, and people-centered leadership.