President Bola Tinubu has praised the outcomes of recent state-level and constituency elections across Nigeria, urging victorious candidates to view their mandates as a solemn public trust to be served with humility and dedication.
The elections, held on Saturday and administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), covered all six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Additionally, by-elections were conducted for the Ahoada East II and Khana II state assembly constituencies in Rivers State, as well as for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu specifically called on all newly elected officials to “treat the mandate given by the people as a sacred trust, and serve with patriotism and unwavering dedication.” He framed the victories not merely as political wins but as a profound responsibility to the electorate.
The President extended congratulations to the national, Kano, and Rivers leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with all party members, for the results at the polls. He noted that “these wins reflect the trust of the people and the strength of our democratic institutions.” In this context, he commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as “remarkable achievements in the territory that have translated into political dividends for the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
A significant portion of the statement lauded the electoral process itself. President Tinubu praised the roles of INEC, security agencies, and the voting public for ensuring the elections were peaceful and credible. He also highlighted the “courage and discipline displayed by all contestants,” adding that “democracy is enriched by the vibrancy of participation and healthy competition.”
The President affirmed that such contests strengthen Nigeria’s democratic culture and institutions. He urged INEC to “continue to improve its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes in the future.”
These results are being closely observed, as the FCT, Kano, and Rivers are politically significant regions. Kano is Nigeria’s most populous state, Rivers is a major oil-producing and commercial hub, and the FCT’s governance directly impacts the federal administration. The conduct of these elections, particularly the by-elections, is seen as a test of electoral integrity ahead of broader national polls. The President’s emphasis on peaceful competition and institutional strength underscores an official narrative focused on consolidating democratic stability through credible, routine electoral exercises.
