The incumbent chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has expressed satisfaction with the turnout and conduct of the council election, but said there were still gaps in logistics in some areas.
Maikalangu spoke to journalists on Saturday after casting his vote at his polling unit.
He said he was impressed by the number of voters who came out, especially in communities outside the city centre.
“I’m impressed with the turnout today. You can see it yourself. My people are out here to vote. I’m satisfied with the process,” he said.
The AMAC chairman described the voting process as smooth, adding that it took him less than three minutes to complete accreditation and cast his ballot.
“In less than three minutes, I cast my vote. Everything is okay. The process is smooth,” he said.
Maikalangu said local government elections usually record different levels of participation compared to national polls, noting that turnout is often higher in local and remote areas than in city centres.
“This is a local government election. It is meant for local people. When you go to remote areas, the turnout is different from that of the city,” he said.
On areas that need improvement, the chairman pointed to logistics, saying some polling locations were yet to receive their materials as of the time he spoke.
“I think the only improvement I would advise is logistics, because some areas are yet to get their materials. But in terms of the voting process, everything is smooth,” he said.
Maikalangu also expressed confidence about the election, describing the area as his home and saying he was comfortable with the support he was seeing on the ground.
“This is my home. This is my polling unit. One hundred per cent,” he said.
Speaking on his plans for young people, he said empowerment would remain a priority if he returns to office, adding that his record in office speaks for him.
“My people know me. I’ve been giving them what they want. By the grace of God, if I’m back in office, I will give them more dividends of democracy,” he said.
