The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated a special legal team to challenge the results of the FCT Area Council elections, held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six chairmanship seats, leaving the PDP with one.
Election Results:
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Abuja Municipal Area Council: APC’s Christopher Maikalangu – 40,295 votes; ADC – 12,109; PDP – 3,398.
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Bwari: APC’s Joshua Ishaku – 18,466 votes; ADC – 4,254; ZLP – 3,515.
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Abaji: APC’s Umar Abubakar – 15,535; YPP – 5,357; PDP – 4,547.
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Kwali: APC’s Nuhu Daniel – 17,032; PDP – 8,575.
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Kuje: APC’s Danjuma Shekwolo – 17,269; PDP – 15,824; APGA – 4,305.
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Gwagwalada: PDP’s Mohammed Kasim – 22,165; APC – 17,788; APGA – 1,687.
The elections, conducted to fill six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats, were reportedly marked by voter apathy and incidents of vote-buying. Voter turnout stood at roughly 15% of 1.68 million registered voters, a notable improvement from the 2022 turnout of 9.4%. INEC denied claims of voter migration, clarifying that split polling units were created only to reduce congestion.
PDP Response:
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, congratulated winning candidates but cited irregularities, including voter intimidation and interference by security personnel. The party’s legal challenge will be led by National Legal Adviser Shafi Bara’u. PDP described the election as a warning of potential challenges ahead in the 2027 general elections if reforms are not implemented.
Security and EFCC Action:
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 20 suspects for vote-buying, vote-selling, and obstructing officials, recovering over N17 million, including N13.5 million in Kwali.
Government and APC Reactions:
President Bola Tinubu commended winners, INEC, and security agencies for a peaceful election, urging victors to serve with humility. APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda described the results as an endorsement of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting strong support for the party in the FCT. The APC also congratulated PDP in Gwagwalada, affirming respect for the people’s mandate.
FCT Minister Comments:
Minister Nyesom Wike praised the peaceful conduct, lauded residents’ commitment to democracy, and emphasized that the elections clarified the distinction between the ruling party and the real opposition.
Opposition Views:
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and PDP presidential aspirant Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim warned that low turnout reflected declining confidence in democratic processes and highlighted the resilience and resurgence of the PDP ahead of 2027.
