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\nBy Amah
\nKindly share:
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Background: The Stakes in the FCT
\nUnlike Nigeria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Gwagwalada: PDP Breaks Through
\nThe PDP\u2019s sole victory came in Gwagwalada Area Council, where its candidate, Mohammed Kasim, polled 22,165 votes to defeat APC\u2019s Yahaya Shehu, who garnered 17,788 votes.<\/p>\n
Declaring the result, the Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, stated that Kasim, \u201chaving satisfied the requirements of the law,\u201d was duly returned elected.<\/p>\n
A breakdown of the Gwagwalada results showed:<\/p>\n
PDP \u2013 22,165
\nAPC \u2013 17,788
\nAPGA \u2013 1,687
\nADC \u2013 1,366
\nThe win represents a strategic foothold for the PDP in a council that has witnessed competitive political contests in recent cycles.<\/p>\n
Bwari: APC Holds Firm
\nIn Bwari Area Council, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku secured victory with 18,466 votes, comfortably ahead of his closest challengers.<\/p>\n
According to INEC\u2019s declared figures:<\/p>\n
APC \u2013 18,466
\nADC \u2013 4,254
\nZLP \u2013 3,515
\nReturning Officer Mohammed Nurudeen formally declared Ishaku elected after confirming compliance with electoral requirements.<\/p>\n
AMAC: Maikalangu Returns
\nIn the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was re-elected after polling 40,295 votes, reinforcing the party\u2019s grip on the capital\u2019s most urbanized council.<\/p>\n
INEC\u2019s official tally showed:<\/p>\n
APC \u2013 40,295
\nADC \u2013 12,109
\nPDP \u2013 3,398
\nSDP \u2013 2,185
\nNNPP \u2013 1,694
\nMaikalangu\u2019s wide margin underscores the APC\u2019s strong urban machinery within the territory.<\/p>\n
Abaji: Clear Margin for APC
\nUmar 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.<\/p>\n
The figures demonstrate a commanding lead for the APC in the largely rural council.<\/p>\n
Kwali: APC Extends Lead
\nIn Kwali Area Council, APC candidate Nuhu Daniel polled 17,032 votes, defeating PDP\u2019s Haruna Pai, who obtained 8,575 votes. The margin further reinforced the ruling party\u2019s dominance in the territory\u2019s outer councils.<\/p>\n
Kuje: APC Completes Five-Council Sweep
\nKuje Area Council rounded off the APC\u2019s strong showing, with its candidate Danjuma Shekwolo winning the chairmanship after polling 17,269 votes.<\/p>\n
With victories in AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, the APC now controls five of the six Area Councils in the FCT.<\/p>\n
Political Implications
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
For the PDP, the Gwagwalada win provides a critical political anchor and a base from which to rebuild momentum within the territory.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Further official details from INEC are expected as final documentation and certifications are completed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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