The past Speaker of the Bwari Area Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Julius Adamu, has revealed the reason he stepped down as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in his ward during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Adamu, who spoke with journalists shortly after casting his vote, said his decision followed consultations with party leaders and was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity and development of the Area Council.
“First and foremost, let me say I was a candidate under the platform of PDP, but with the consultation and advice of my leaders at the top, I had to step down for the APC candidate in my ward,” he said.
He noted that the APC candidate, whom he described as a former councillor from his ward, is well known to him and capable of serving the people effectively.
“Honourable Joshua is also a candidate from my ward. He was a councillor in 2016. After I left office and he took over in 2019, I was the Speaker of the House,” Adamu explained.
Describing himself as a strong contender in the race, Adamu said his withdrawal was not borne out of weakness but out of conviction and a desire to prioritise the collective good.
“In fact, let me say I was the hottest candidate as far as the Area Council is concerned,” he stated. “But God has His way of doing His own things, and so I have to step down for him for the progress and development of the people of the Area Council.”
Adamu emphasised that political ambition should not override the need for peace and unity, particularly at the grassroots level.
According to him, “There is nothing that peace cannot give. When the atmosphere is peaceful, everything will be successful.”
He urged supporters and residents to maintain calm and continue to participate peacefully in the electoral process, stressing that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of cooperation and stability.
The FCT Area Council elections are being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the six area councils of the nation’s capital.