By Aderogba George
Mr Obinna Simon, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election, has pledged to promote inclusive governance and people-oriented development if elected.
Simon made the pledge during the party’s campaign activities in Abuja on Thursday, saying residents were ready for a new era anchored on accountability, fairness and improved service delivery.
He described AMAC as a shared civic space belonging to all residents, both indigenes and non-indigenes, stressing that the council must be administered with equity and without discrimination.
According to him, leadership must reflect the diversity of the people while responding to the needs of every community through transparent and responsible governance.
“AMAC is not the private estate of any individual or group. It is a public trust. Leadership must reflect the diversity of our people and respond to the needs of every community without discrimination,” he said.
Simon stated that democracy should translate into tangible benefits such as functional public schools, accessible healthcare services, youth empowerment programmes and social protection for vulnerable residents.
He expressed concern over situations where children were forced out of school for prolonged periods and where many residents relied heavily on costly private healthcare due to weak public health infrastructure.
The candidate pledged that an SDP-led administration would prioritise education reform, revitalisation of primary healthcare, transparent budgeting and performance-based service delivery.
“Our people deserve a council that works. Government hospitals must be properly equipped and staffed, Schools must remain open and conducive for learning.
“Empowerment must go beyond rhetoric to structured economic opportunities for women and youth,” he said.
Simon urged voters to use the ballot as an instrument of democratic accountability, emphasising that leadership must be earned through service rather than entitlement.
He reaffirmed his commitment to building an AMAC anchored on social justice, transparency and sustainable development for the benefit of all residents.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Abubakar Gombe expressed confidence in the SDP candidate, assuring residents that the party had presented individuals with the competence and character to lead effectively.
Gombe called on residents to come out peacefully to vote and safeguard their mandates, noting that participatory democracy remained vital to grassroots development.
Also speaking, former presidential candidate of the party, Dr Adewole Adebayo, urged Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders and take ownership of governance through active civic participation.
He expressed concern about the effects of governance challenges on public services, noting that inefficiencies had contributed to pressures in education, healthcare delivery, and infrastructure development.
“Government exists for the people. We must ensure our votes are protected and demand transparency, including electronic transmission of election results.”
He further warned against fiscal irresponsibility, noting that poorly executed projects and unsustainable borrowing could mortgage the future of younger generations if not properly checked.
Adebayo emphasised that local governments, being the closest tier of administration to the people, must be strengthened to deliver practical development outcomes and restore public confidence in governance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the elections will hold across six area councils; Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali with stakeholders emphasising transparency, security and active voter participation.
The poll will be conducted in 68 constituencies, covering the election of chairmen and their deputies as well as councillors across 62 wards.
Each council has 10 wards, except AMAC, which has 12 due to its larger population. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
