A fresh political push is quietly gathering momentum in the Federal Capital Territory as youths from Gwagwalada Area Council openly lobby Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to appoint Hon. Sunday Shagi Jonah as Mandate Secretary of the FCT Area Councils Secretariat Commission.
The development follows the recent resignation of Hon. Bitrus Lawrence Garki, a move that has triggered intense behind-the-scenes consultations and political alignments among stakeholders across the FCT.
In a strongly worded recommendation released on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and signed by youth advocate Sani Usman Zakariyya, the group described Hon. Sunday Shagi Jonah as the most credible and competent candidate to take over the strategic position.
According to the statement, the youths of Gwagwalada and the FCT at large are rallying behind Shagi based on what they described as his “exceptional leadership capacity, credibility and unwavering commitment to public service.”
The statement reads in part:
“Hon. Sunday Shagi Jonah, the incumbent Senior Special Assistant on Land Matters, has consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity, remarkable leadership and a strong commitment to public service. His track record speaks of credibility, integrity and dedication to the development of our communities.”
The endorsement, which is now circulating across political circles in Abuja, signals the beginning of what observers describe as a strategic grassroots pressure campaign aimed at influencing the final decision of the Presidency and the FCT Administration.
Sources within youth groups in Gwagwalada told Chronicles Reporters that the push for Shagi’s appointment is also driven by a desire to ensure that the position remains in the hands of someone familiar with the grassroots realities of Area Councils governance.
The youths further argued that the FCT requires a Mandate Secretary with a deep understanding of local government challenges, land administration complexities, and community-driven development priorities — qualities they insist Shagi possesses.
“Our decision as concerned and progressive youths to support and adopt Hon. Shagi is rooted in his proven ability to deliver, his people-oriented approach and his vision for sustainable democratic growth and transformation,” the statement added.
Political analysts say the endorsement may significantly influence ongoing consultations, especially as the position plays a critical role in coordinating Area Council administration, development programs and grassroots governance within the FCT.
The youths also appealed directly to President Tinubu and Minister Wike, urging them to consider what they described as a “strategic and stabilizing choice” capable of strengthening governance across the Area Councils.
“On behalf of the well-meaning youths of the FCT who are committed to the progress and development of our dear Area Councils, we humbly appeal to Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to kindly consider and approve the appointment of Hon. Sunday Shagi Jonah for this strategic position,” the statement concluded.
As political lobbying intensifies, attention now turns to the FCT Administration and the Presidency, where consultations are expected to shape the next leadership direction for the Area Councils Secretariat.
With growing youth backing and grassroots endorsement, the race for the Mandate Secretary position appears to be entering a decisive phase — one that may redefine political influence and governance dynamics within the Federal Capital Territory.