…as groups congratulate Winner
Maikalangu: “I have come here today not as a victor over men, but as a servant of God who has been given a mandate by the people.
“The voice of the people has spoken loud and clear, and I have harkened to it.
“This victory belongs to God, and I am here to pledge that my second term will be even more dedicated to the service of humanity.”
By Olawale Lamina
Following the declaration of victory of Honourable Christopher Saka Maikalangu, of the All Progressives Congress, APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in the Saturday FCT local council elections for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, the council chairman who has won second term in office attributed his victory to God during his thanksgiving service held at ECWA church, Garki, FCT, Abuja on Sunday.
The Collation Officer for AMAC, Professor Andrew Abue, had announced after the Saturday exercise, that Hon. Maikalangu, the incumbent AMAC chairman, won the contest against other candidates and returned elected after securing 40,295 votes, out of the total number of valid votes cast of 62,861 in the poll.
He also announced
that candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate polled 3,398 votes.
Prof. Abue, put the number of rejected votes at 2,336, while total valid votes was 62,861, as the total vote cast stood at 65,197.
He revealed that the number of registered voters under AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.
Announcing the winner after election, the collation officer said: “That Maikalangu of the APC, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
Available data about the spread of the results among the political parties and the candidates who contested the AMAC chairmanship election indicated that The Accord, represented by Agbon Vaniah (A) pulled -403 votes.
The Action Alliance (AA), represented by Nemiebika Tamunomiesam pulled 108 votes.
African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate pulled 12,109 votes.
Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate pulled 588 votes.
The winner, Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) pulled 40,295 votes.
Other political parties and their candidates in the keenly contested poll and the spread of their votes include the following:
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Eze Chukwu, who secured 1111 votes
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) candidate, Chukwu Promise secured 122 votes .
Ugoh Michael of the Action Peoples Party (APP) got 32 votes.
Thomas Happiness of the Boot Party (BP) for 43 votes.
Jibrin Alhassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) pulled 1,694 votes.
Samson Usani of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) got 73 votes.
Dantani Zanda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pulled 3,398 votes.
Iber Shimakaha of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) got 90 votes.
Simon Obinna of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) secured 2,185 votes.
Madaki Robert of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) got 421 votes; and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, Swani Buba (ZLP) also pulled 189 votes.
In an interview with journalists immediately after the announcement of results, the APC Collation Agent, Hon Bala Gambo Babale, described the election and collation process as credible.
“INEC have done so well. We’ve seen the processes across all the polling units, the ward coalition centres and here at AMAC area council coalition centre. Everything was done perfectly well,..”
Reacting to the landslide victory, the Chairman- elect, hon. Christopher Maikalangu expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God and residents of AMAC, stating that the outcome is a testament to the will of the people, saying “The People Have Spoken.
“The voice of the people has spoken loud and clear, and I have harkened to it.”
He added that, “This victory is not just for me or the APC, but for every resident of this council. Moving forward, the people of AMAC should expect even more human-angle projects that directly impact their lives, from infrastructure to social welfare.”
However, in the spirit of sportsmanship, Maikalangu extended an olive branch to his opponents, stating that, “I call on my fellow contestants who could not make it this time to accept defeat in good faith.
“I urge you to embrace my hand of friendship so we can work together for the progress of our people.”
He acknowledged the role played by INEC, the security agencies, and party agents by commending their professionalism and for upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
Maikalangu attributes Victory to God, Will of the People…
Meanwhile, the AMAC Chairman-Elect (for the second term), Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, has expressed deep appreciation by ascribing his victory to God and the people whose will prevailed in the election during his special thanksgiving at ECWA Church on Sunday, (today).
Maikalangu, who led family, friends, party faithful and political associates thanked God for a successful electoral process.
Speaking during the special thanksgiving service, hon. Maikalangu emphasized the fact securing an impressive 40,295 votes, out of the total vote cast, signalled answered prayer of the people whose “desire for continuous development had been answered.”
He said: “I have come here today not as a victor over men, but as a servant of God who has been given a mandate by the people.
“The voice of the people has spoken loud and clear, and I have harkened to it.
“This victory belongs to God, and I am here to pledge that my second term will be even more dedicated to the service of humanity.”
The winner who exhibited magnanimity in victory used the occasion to reach out to fellow contestants who participated in the polls by saying that, “Politics is over; now it is time for governance. I call on those who contested against me to accept defeat in good faith and embrace my hand of friendship.
“Let us unite to build an AMAC that we can all be proud of. ”
The Chairman-elect concluded his address by appreciating the electoral umpire (INEC), the security agencies, and party agents for ensuring the integrity of the process.
He stressed that the transparency of the election process has further strengthened the roots of democracy in the Federal Capital Territory.
On his part during the thanksgiving, the officiating minister, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kure, offered special prayers for the Chairman-elect, asking for divine wisdom and protection, among other encouragement and charges to the congregation.
Reacting to the landslide victory, Chairman Christopher Maikalangu expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God and residents of AMAC, stating that the outcome is a testament to the will of the people. “”The People Have Spoken”
”The voice of the people has spoken loud and clear, and I have harkened to it,” Maikalangu said.
“This victory is not just for me or the APC, but for every resident of this council. Moving forward, the people of AMAC should expect even more human-angle projects that directly impact their lives, from infrastructure to social welfare.”
And, in the spirit of sportsmanship, the Chairman-elect extended an olive branch to his opponents:
“I call on my fellow contestants who could not make it this time to accept defeat in good faith.
“I urge you to embrace my hand of friendship so we can work together for the progress of our people.”
The AMAC Chairman further extended his appreciation to the key stakeholders who ensured a peaceful and transparent exercise.
Groups extend Goodwill to Maikalangu over Election Victory
A cross section of political affiliates hav joined numerous other well wishes to extend their congratulatory messages to him. Maikalangu over his victory at the just concluded election in AMAC.
The Chairman FCT Chapter of the Nigerian Legion, in his heartfelt message said:
“CONGRATULATIONS:
“On behalf of the Nigerian Legion FCT Chapter, I humbly wish to congratulate Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu for his re-election as the Chairman AMAC in the just concluded FCT Area Council elections. May the good Lord continue to bless you and grant you good health of mind and body to pilot once again the good people of AMAC. Once again congratulations. ”
PNE Logistics, official partners AMAC said:
”Congratulations to the man of the people for a well-deserved victory! This is truly a testament to your dedication and hard work. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this important journey. May your tenure be marked by progress and success for everyone! ”
Ambassador Isiaka Haruna, Executive Director, ASC-Foundation says
“On behalf of myself and the entire Safety Ambassadors from ASC-Foundation, I extend my warmest and most sincere congratulations on your resounding victory and re-election as the Executive Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
“Your decisive win, with the mandate of the people clearly expressed through the ballot, is a powerful testament to your dedicated service, visionary leadership, and the trust you have earned from the good people of AMAC over the years. The results reflect not only your incumbency strength but also the confidence residents have in your ability to continue delivering meaningful development, inclusive governance, and progress for our communities.
“As a son of this great Federal Capital Territory, I am particularly proud of this milestone and confident that under your continued stewardship, AMAC will witness even greater strides in infrastructure, empowerment, unity, and good governance.
“May God Almighty grant you wisdom, good health, and abundant grace as you embark on this new term to serve and uplift our people.
“Once again, accept our hearty congratulations, Chairman!
“The future is bright for AMAC. With utmost respect and best wishes.”
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