The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has formally presented a Certificate of Return to Dr. Obinna Simon popularly known as MC Tagwaye or Buhari Double, confirming him as the party’s candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election slated for 21 February 2026.
The framed certificate, signed by the chairman and secretary of the Abuja Municipal Area Council Electoral Panel, declares that after “successful party primaries based on the 2022 Electoral Act,” Simon is “hereby returned as the party’s AMAC chairmanship candidate for the FCT 2026 Area Council election.”
Party officials handed Simon the document on Monday at SDP’s FCT secretariat, 17 Nairobi Street, Wuse II. Sources inside the local chapter said the primaries, conducted under independent observers last week, were “peaceful and transparent,” producing Simon as a consensus choice.
Speaking after the presentation, Simon reiterated the pledges he made when he entered the race in April:
“My vision for AMAC is one of progress, inclusivity, and sustainable development… I aim to establish programmes that equip our youth with the skills and resources needed to succeed.”
He added that receiving the certificate “marks the real beginning of a campaign focused on grassroots empowerment, better infrastructure and a stronger local economy.”
Simon’s candidacy caps a whirlwind five‑month journey that began with his defection from the All-Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP in March. At the time, he criticized the APC’s “gerontocratic leadership structure” and “lack of reward system for loyal members.”
He formally declared for the AMAC chair in mid‑April, adopting the slogan “AMAC Must Be Better Again.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 21 February 2026 for the FCT Area Council polls, with official party primaries permitted between 9 – 30 June 2025, and the candidate‑nomination portal opening 21 July – 11 August 2025.
With its primaries concluded early, the SDP is expected to upload Simon’s name to the INEC portal once it opens later this month.
What Comes Next
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Campaign: Public campaigning officially begins 24 September 2025.
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Opposition Field: The ruling APC and the PDP are yet to publish their own AMAC primary dates.
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SDP Strategy: Party insiders say Simon will launch a ward‑by‑ward listening tour after Sallah, seeking to capitalize on his youth appeal and online following.
Analysts note that AMAC—home to Nigeria’s seat of power—often sets the tone for federal‑capital politics. If elected, Simon would be the first entertainer to run the 1.46‑million‑resident council, underscoring what observers describe as a generational shift in local governance.
