By Amah
Kindly share:
The political landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has taken a decisive turn following the conclusion of the 2026 Area Council elections, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging victorious in five of the six chairmanship contests. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a lone win in Gwagwalada, preventing a complete sweep by the ruling party.
The results, announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, reflect a significant consolidation of grassroots political control by the APC across the capital territory.
Background: The Stakes in the FCT
Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT does not have a governor. Instead, it is administered by the Federal Government through the FCT Minister, while democratic representation at the grassroots level is exercised through six Area Councils: Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje.
These councils function similarly to local governments in the states and play a crucial role in primary healthcare delivery, rural infrastructure, sanitation, markets management, and community development. As the seat of power and home to a diverse population drawn from across Nigeria, electoral outcomes in the FCT often carry symbolic and strategic national implications.
Gwagwalada: PDP Breaks Through
The PDP’s sole victory came in Gwagwalada Area Council, where its candidate, Mohammed Kasim, polled 22,165 votes to defeat APC’s Yahaya Shehu, who garnered 17,788 votes.
Declaring the result, the Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, stated that Kasim, “having satisfied the requirements of the law,” was duly returned elected.
A breakdown of the Gwagwalada results showed:
PDP – 22,165
APC – 17,788
APGA – 1,687
ADC – 1,366
The win represents a strategic foothold for the PDP in a council that has witnessed competitive political contests in recent cycles.
Bwari: APC Holds Firm
In Bwari Area Council, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku secured victory with 18,466 votes, comfortably ahead of his closest challengers.
According to INEC’s declared figures:
APC – 18,466
ADC – 4,254
ZLP – 3,515
Returning Officer Mohammed Nurudeen formally declared Ishaku elected after confirming compliance with electoral requirements.
AMAC: Maikalangu Returns
In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was re-elected after polling 40,295 votes, reinforcing the party’s grip on the capital’s most urbanized council.
INEC’s official tally showed:
APC – 40,295
ADC – 12,109
PDP – 3,398
SDP – 2,185
NNPP – 1,694
Maikalangu’s wide margin underscores the APC’s strong urban machinery within the territory.
Abaji: Clear Margin for APC
Umar Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC won the Abaji chairmanship race with 15,536 votes. His closest rival from the PDP secured 4,547 votes, while the ADC polled 37 votes.
The figures demonstrate a commanding lead for the APC in the largely rural council.
Kwali: APC Extends Lead
In Kwali Area Council, APC candidate Nuhu Daniel polled 17,032 votes, defeating PDP’s Haruna Pai, who obtained 8,575 votes. The margin further reinforced the ruling party’s dominance in the territory’s outer councils.
Kuje: APC Completes Five-Council Sweep
Kuje Area Council rounded off the APC’s strong showing, with its candidate Danjuma Shekwolo winning the chairmanship after polling 17,269 votes.
With victories in AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, the APC now controls five of the six Area Councils in the FCT.
Political Implications
The outcome signals a consolidation of grassroots authority for the APC within the Federal Capital Territory. Control of Area Councils often shapes local patronage networks, development priorities, and political mobilisation structures ahead of larger state and national contests.
For the PDP, the Gwagwalada win provides a critical political anchor and a base from which to rebuild momentum within the territory.
As the dust settles, attention will likely shift to governance performance, post-election alignments, and whether this dominance translates into broader electoral advantage in future federal contests.
Further official details from INEC are expected as final documentation and certifications are completed.
