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FCT Poll: PDP defeats APC in Gwagwalada

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election conducted on Saturday.

While declaring the result, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that PDP polled the highest votes in the council.

Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 17,788.

The election was a tight race between Kasim and Yahaya Shehu of the APC with speculations of withdrawals dogging the campaigns ahead of the Saturday election.

However, both candidates came out to deny hat they had stepped down.

Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship vote breakdown

• PDP (Mohammed Kasim): 22,165

• APC (Yahaya Shehu): 17,788

• ADC: 1,366

• APGA: 1,687

The local elections were conducted by INEC across the FCT’s six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The victory comes at a time the PDP is facing one of its toughest battles since it’s establishment in 1998.

Before Saturday’s victory, Gwagalada was under the control of APC. Abu Giri,member of the ruling party, is the outgoing chairman.

 

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FCT Polls: PDP candidate steps down for APC’s Ishaku after Wike’s intervention

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In a dramatic political realignment less than 72 hours to the Federal Capital Territory FCT Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, has withdrawn from the race to endorse the All Progressives Congress APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa.

The high-stakes move, which followed the direct intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, was finalized on Wednesday at a bipartisan stakeholders meeting in the Bwari Area Council.

The announcement effectively narrows the contest for the chairmanship seat ahead of the February 21 polls.

Addressing a gathering of supporters and party stakeholders, Adamu revealed that his decision was the product of “deep consultation” with the FCT Minister.

He framed the withdrawal as a move to maintain local harmony, emphasizing his personal ties with the APC candidate.

“I am standing here before you this afternoon to tell you that I have been in deep consultation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“I have come to the conclusion that I and Joshua, we are brothers. It will not be nice for two brothers to kill themselves over one office. Therefore, I have relinquished my support to Hon. Joshua”, said Adamu.

Urging his political base to shift their loyalty, Adamu added, “I want to urge all my supporters to support Joshua to win this election.”

Wike, who has increasingly played a kingmaker role in the territory’s politics, threw his full weight behind the new alliance.

Speaking at the event, Wike incentivized the electorate by linking the APC candidate’s potential victory to accelerated infrastructure development in the area.

“The people of Bwari, let me tell you why you should support Joshua. If you vote for Joshua, I will do more roads in Bwari. Let nobody make any mistake; on Saturday, come out and make sure that Joshua wins the election”, he said.

This development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC concludes preparations for elections across the six Area Councils – Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali.

The Bwari contest had been viewed as a critical battleground, but this cross-party pact has now significantly alters the electoral math in favour of the APC.

The alliance also underscores the Minister’s ongoing strategy of fostering cooperation between elements of the PDP and the ruling APC, a stance that continues to define the political landscape of the FCT under his administration.

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Police arrest 12 suspected robbers linked to Arise TV anchor’s death

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

‎The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested 12 suspected armed robbers linked to the killing of an Arise News staff member, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, during a robbery attack in Abuja.

‎Arise TV, in a post on its website on Thursday, said the arrests followed an operation led by the Scorpion Squad under the FCT Command, based on intelligence provided by a forensics firm, Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC.

‎According to Arise, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, ordered a manhunt for the suspects after the September 29, 2025, attack at Unique Apartment in Gishiri Village, Katampe District, which occurred around 3:30 a.m.

‎The statement said operatives of the Scorpion Squad, led by ACP Victor Godfrey, arrested the suspects following actionable digital and reconstructive intelligence provided by Giga Forensics, a subsidiary of EIB STRATOC.

The suspects are:

‎Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state

Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State

Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state

Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state

Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state

Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State

Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state

Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state

Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state

Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state

Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state.

More details later….

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Wike endorses APC’s candidate for Abuja council chairmanship seat

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

FCT minister Nyesom Wike has declared support for Christopher Maikalangu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last week cleared political parties to commence campaigns ahead of the council polls.

Maikalangu, who currently chairs AMAC, secured the APC ticket after polling 51 votes in the primary election held on June 26, 2025.

Speaking on Monday during the flag-off of road projects linking Tunga Madaki and eight other communities to the airport, Wike urged residents to rally behind the APC candidate.

He said: “Now that INEC has said area councils can go and campaign officially, you all know where we’re heading to.

“My dear people of Tunga Madaki, I have handed over Maikalangu to you. So that, when the election will be held in February, by June, Mr President will be here to inaugurate this road, and then we will all dance, and dance, and then Mr Maikalangu will come and do the needful after the election.”

The minister said President Bola Tinubu had approved full compensation for the communities affected by the construction of the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He noted that the road projects being executed were part of the residents’ demands in exchange for land released for the runway.

“One of the things that the communities asked for was that they have to be connected, they have to be linked up with roads.

“It is quite unfair that they are releasing their land for a second runway, but yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense.

“Mr President said, whatever the settlement asks for, give it to them. Today, the 29th of September 2025, we are here to the glory of God and to fulfil the promise made by Mr President to the people of Tunga Madaki settlement,” Wike said.

He said the completion of the project in June 2026 would transform the communities, describing Tinubu’s administration as “a listening government that cares for the people.”

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FCT doctors begin 3-day strike

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has announced the commencement of a three-day warning strike, starting from Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

The doctors concluded to embark on the strike after their emergency congress meeting held on Monday in Abuja.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, president of the association, Dr. George Ebong, said the strike became necessary as 127 health workers were sacked by the FCT Civil Service Commission last Friday without due diligence.

He described the sack as inhumane and illegal, demanding their immediate reinstatement and onward payment of their April salaries.

Also, he demanded the immediate resignation of the chairman of FCT-CSC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh.

Dr. Ebong, on behalf of the doctors, threatened that if their demands are not met by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration within three days, they would embark on an indefinite strike and shut down the nation’s capital hospitals.

We are embarking on a three-day warning strike because most of the members were disengaged from service on Friday without due diligence. They were labelled as ghost workers, ex-employees, and absconders when, in fact, these colleagues of ours are still in the system working even until now. We are livid that the FCTA service commission will carry out such an inhuman decision without talking to the health management board, permanent secretary of health, association of resident doctors, or Medical & Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, MDCAN. It is not just doctors that are affected—nurses, pharmacists, and lab scientists, including non-clinical workers are affected too.

“The managing directors of these hospitals are not aware. In fact, three MDs are affected.

“127 health workers are affected. If these numbers are ghost workers, so how do these hospitals operate? The hospitals would have collapsed. What is the staff strength of FCT hospitals?

“The affected health workers salaries were stopped without any prior notice. The salaries for last month. This is a clear act of insensitivity and injustice to health workers.

“We demand immediate salary payment for all the affected health workers.

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Health

FCT declares Free Health Insurance, C-Section Services for Pregnant Women

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has declared a free health insurance scheme and caesarean section for all pregnant women living in the area.

The FCTA’s Mandate Secretary for Health, Adedolapo Fasewa, disclosed this on Monday while commemorating the 2025 World Health Day at the Gwarimpa District Hospital, Abuja.

Fasewa explained that for pregnant women to benefit from the free cesarean section, they have to register with the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), adding that the scheme also comes with infant care after delivery.

Furthermore, she stated that Nigeria records the highest rate of maternal mortality in the sub-Saharan region.

But Fasewa said the present administration frowns at it and is already taking necessary steps to ensure the reduction as well as infant survival,

She urged all women to register for the free health insurance scheme, saying the fight against maternal mortality is not just for the Federal Government alone but requires collaborative efforts.

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Business

Fidelity Bank Distributes Food Packs to FCT Communities

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, recently donated food packs to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja residents.

Themed, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative, the outreach saw the bank’s officials distribute the food items to seven communities in the Mabushi district of the FCT.

Speaking at the distribution event, the Executive Director, North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, emphasized the bank’s commitment to community development and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2, which seeks to eradicate hunger.

“This initiative stems from our deep-seated responsibility to support underserved communities and contribute to the fight against hunger in Nigeria,” said Mr. Garba. “At Fidelity Bank, we firmly believe that by addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. While we may not be able to solve all societal challenges, our contributions are making a difference, as evidenced by the positive feedback we continue to receive.”

He further reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering communities, stating, “We recognize the importance of fostering growth and prosperity within the communities where we operate. By investing in their well-being, we contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and equitable society.”

The Fidelity Food Bank is one of the key pillars of the bank’s CSR strategy, focusing on health and social welfare. As a nationwide project, the initiative seeks to provide food relief to underserved communities across Nigeria, with a particular focus on supporting women and children.

Expressing appreciation for the initiative, the District Head of Mabushi Community, Mr. Hassan Danagna, commended Fidelity Bank for its generosity and its impact on the community.

“Fidelity Bank’s support to our community is unprecedented, and we are deeply grateful for this initiative, which provides relief to vulnerable households and less privileged families,” said Mr. Danagna. “Given the current economic challenges, this support is timely, particularly as we approach the holy month of Ramadan.”

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mukhtar Mohamed, also expressed his gratitude to the bank, acknowledging the significant impact of food distribution.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 9.1 million customers who are serviced across its 251 business offices and various digital banking channels in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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Health Safety: NAFDAC shut down over 40 illegal Sachet Water Factory in FCT

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a crackdown on the illegal production of sachet water also known as ‘pure water’ in the Federal Capital Territory.

The crackdown on the illegal production of water by NAFDAC began in Dutse Alhaji and Dawaki areas of the FCT on Tuesday, March 4, with the agency shutting down some companies.

It was gathered that several water production facilities were shut down by operatives of the agency over various issues of compliance including unsafe environments, use substandard equipment, and the failure to meet regulatory standards.

Speaking on the process, Kenneth Azikiwe, the FCT directorate for NAFDAC said over 40 water factories have been shut down in the FCT since the crackdown on illegal water production companies started.

He said, “This directive comes amid rising concerns over producers using substandard materials, stamping products with unauthorised identification numbers, and operating in unsafe conditions,” he stated.

Giving more insight into the process, Azikiwe said 14 bakeries have also been closed down in places like Mararaba, Nyanya, Gwagwalada and Zuba areas of the FCT due to some issues with safety regulations.

“This operation required strong synergy and collective commitment to tracking down individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of substandard products,” Azikiwe state.

Also urging Nigerians to remain vigilant in the purchase of their consumables, Azikiwe said that NAFDAC is working with security agencies to ensure the health safety of citizens.

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Beggars, scavengers sue Wike for N500m over arrests

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Some vulnerable FCT residents including the scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, have filed a suit against the minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights.

A legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The applicant sued Wike; Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as 1st to 4th respondents.

The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as fifth to sixth respondents respectively.

He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”

“A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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Blackout Looms In Abuja Over Relocation Of Electricity Installations

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says there will be power disruptions in some parts of Abuja due to relocation of the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway.

A statement on its official X handle said the operation would occur from January 6 to 31.

The statement read: “Please be informed that there will be power interruptions from January 6-21, 2025, due to FCDA relocating the 33KV DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway.”

It said the areas that will experience outages during the period include: Lugbe & environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church, American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC HQ, Coca Cola, Railway, FMC, Parts of Apo.

Others are parts of Gudu, Gbazango & environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari & environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi & environs, and other parts of Abuja.

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