News Feature
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
As residents prepare for the forthcoming chairmanship election in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), attention has increasingly turned to the candidacy of Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu (Delaw) and his running mate, Hussain Jibrin, whose campaign is built around a governance plan they call S.M.A.R.T. AMAC. With the election scheduled for this Saturday, 21 February 2026, their message has focused on improving service delivery, strengthening accountability, and addressing everyday challenges facing residents across the council.
AMAC remains the largest and most politically significant area council in the Federal Capital Territory. Its population includes indigenous communities, politicians, civil servants, traders, artisans, and residents from different parts of the country. The council continues to face growing pressure in areas such as sanitation, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth employment, making the election an important moment for residents concerned about local governance.
Chukwu’s selection of Jibrin, an indigene of Abuja, as his running mate reflects an effort to ensure local representation alongside broader administrative leadership. The partnership combines policy direction with grassroots familiarity, with both candidates presenting themselves as leaders prepared to respond to the needs of communities across the council.
Waste management is one of the issues highlighted in their plan. Several communities within AMAC have struggled with inconsistent refuse collection and poor sanitation. Their proposal outlines steps to improve waste disposal systems, expand sanitation coverage, and strengthen environmental management to protect public health.
Healthcare improvement also features prominently in their agenda. Their plan includes strengthening primary healthcare centers, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and supporting preventive healthcare programs. These measures are intended to make healthcare more accessible and reduce the burden on residents who depend on local health facilities.
Infrastructure development remains another area of focus. Road maintenance, improved drainage systems, and targeted interventions in flood-prone areas are among the proposals outlined in their campaign. These efforts are aimed at improving movement within communities and supporting economic activities across the council.
Youth empowerment and economic support form a central part of their policy direction. Their proposals include vocational training programs, skills acquisition initiatives, and support for small businesses and artisans. The campaign has emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that enable young people to earn a living and contribute to the local economy.
Education and skills development also feature in their plan. Their proposals include training programs and partnerships aimed at equipping residents with practical skills. These efforts are intended to support employment and strengthen the economic base of the council.
Environmental concerns have also been highlighted, particularly the need to improve drainage systems and address flooding in affected communities. Their plan includes measures aimed at improving environmental conditions and ensuring safer, cleaner surroundings for residents.
Throughout the campaign, Chukwu and Jibrin have visited communities across AMAC, meeting with residents and local leaders to discuss their concerns. These engagements have focused on identifying priority needs and presenting their plans to address them.
Their candidacy under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance has positioned them among the contenders seeking to lead the council at a time when expectations for improved governance remain high. The election is expected to determine the direction of leadership and policy implementation within the council.
As the election date approaches, residents are expected to decide based on their assessment of the candidates, their plans, and their ability to deliver results. The outcome will shape the administration of AMAC and influence how the council responds to the needs of its communities in the years ahead.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, NEWSCOUNT
