The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday led other party leaders to Gwarinpa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to canvass support for the party’s candidates ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections.
Atiku was joined by the party’s chieftain and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as they met with voters and urged residents to turn out in large numbers for the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Atiku described the election as a crucial test for Nigeria’s democratic process and electoral managers.
“This election is very important. It will say a lot about how ready the managers of our elections are to deliver free, fair and credible polls,” he said.
He also framed the polls as an opportunity for voters to reject the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of failing Nigerians.
“It will also say a lot about how ready people are to chase the APC out,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president said the ADC had fielded candidates with “competence, capacity and character” to provide quality leadership across the FCT’s area councils.
He urged voters to resist intimidation and make what he described as the right choice at the ballot.
Atiku further criticised the APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, alleging that it had failed to improve the economy, strengthen the education sector, and address insecurity.
According to him, the government has “pushed the citizens of a rich nation into deeper poverty” and allowed criminal elements to operate unchecked.
“APC must be voted out in the coming elections, and we should start with the FCT elections,” he added.