The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has pledged to mobilise Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in support of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Area Council elections.
Kalu, who is serving as Secretary of the APC National Campaign Council for the FCT poll, made the commitment while addressing journalists at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He said the ruling party would deploy a strategy anchored on performance, inclusive governance and national integration to win the confidence of voters across the territory.
The Abia-born lawmaker emphasised that the FCT represents a microcosm of Nigeria, hosting citizens from all geopolitical zones, including a sizeable population of Igbo traders, professionals, artisans and investors who contribute significantly to the capital’s economy.
“I am an Igbo man and also a Nigerian, and I’m part of this government. I’m one of the faces of Igbos in leadership. So no longer can Igbos say we are not part of the administration,” Kalu stated.
He argued that the presence of Igbo leaders within the current federal structure demonstrates inclusivity and provides a basis for deeper political engagement. According to him, the APC government has created room for broader participation of diverse ethnic groups in governance, countering long-standing narratives of marginalisation.
Kalu maintained that the party’s campaign in the FCT would not rely solely on ethnic sentiment but would highlight developmental strides and grassroots impact in the six Area Councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. He said infrastructure expansion, improved security coordination and social intervention programmes would form key talking points during the campaign.
The Deputy Speaker further noted that the APC National Campaign Council would intensify outreach efforts to market women associations, youth groups, professional bodies and community leaders, particularly within clusters known for strong Igbo commercial presence such as Wuse, Garki, Utako and Kubwa.
Political observers say the FCT Area Council elections are often seen as a litmus test for party strength in the nation’s capital, given the territory’s diverse voting population and its symbolic importance as the seat of power. The councils play crucial roles in primary healthcare delivery, basic education administration, rural road maintenance and revenue generation at the grassroots level.
Kalu expressed confidence that the APC’s message of continuity and inclusive development would resonate with voters across ethnic and religious lines. He called on residents to evaluate candidates based on competence, accessibility and track record rather than sectional considerations.
The Deputy Speaker also urged Ndigbo in Abuja to view participation in the FCT elections as an opportunity to shape local governance decisions that directly affect their businesses and communities. He stressed that political engagement remains a vital pathway to securing representation and advancing collective interests.
As preparations intensify for the polls, political parties are expected to unveil detailed manifestoes and commence ward-to-ward mobilisation in the coming weeks. For the APC, Kalu’s outreach signals a deliberate effort to consolidate support among one of the capital’s most economically active communities.
The FCT Area Council elections are anticipated to draw keen interest from stakeholders, with campaigns likely to focus on grassroots development, infrastructure expansion and inclusive representation in the administration of the nation’s capital.
Abuja Network News
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