The All Progressives Congress (APC) delivered a commanding performance in the 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), winning five of the six chairmanship seats, while also clinching key by-elections in Kano and Rivers states.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured only one chairmanship position in the FCT, emerging victorious in Gwagwalada Area Council.
APC Dominates FCT Councils
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted elections across the six FCT area councils — AMAC, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada, and Kuje.
In Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), incumbent chairman Christopher Maikalangu was re-elected after polling 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid votes cast. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the PDP secured 3,398 votes. A total of 65,197 votes were cast, with 2,336 rejected ballots. Out of 837,338 registered voters, 65,676 were accredited.
In Bwari Area Council, APC’s Joshua Ishaku won with 18,466 votes. The ADC candidate garnered 4,254 votes, while the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 3,515 votes.
Daniel Nuhu of the APC triumphed in Kwali Area Council with 17,032 votes, defeating PDP’s Haruna Pai, who secured 8,575 votes.
In Abaji Area Council, APC’s Umar Abdullahi Abubakar polled 15,535 votes, defeating candidates from the Young Progressives Party (5,357 votes), PDP (4,547 votes), NNPP (53 votes), and ADC (37 votes).
The PDP’s sole victory came in Gwagwalada, while results for Kuje confirmed the APC’s overall dominance, bringing its tally to five out of six councils.
APC Wins Kano Assembly By-Elections
In Kano State, the APC won by-elections in Ungogo and Kano Municipal constituencies following the deaths of the sitting lawmakers.
In Ungogo, Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad, son of the late lawmaker, secured 8,975 votes, defeating his closest rival from the ADP, who polled 54 votes.
Similarly, in Kano Municipal, Aliyu Nabil Daneji, son of the deceased representative, won with 7,484 votes against the PRP candidate’s 105 votes.
The spokesperson of the Kwankwassiya movement explained that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) did not field candidates, citing a prior understanding to allow the sons of the late lawmakers to contest.
PDP Alleges Irregularities, Constitutes Legal Team
Reacting to the results, the PDP alleged widespread intimidation, voter suppression, and manipulation, particularly in the FCT. The party announced the formation of a special legal team led by its National Legal Adviser to challenge the outcome in court.
The PDP congratulated its winning candidates but described the elections as conducted under “unprecedented intimidation and executive interference.”
Civil Society Flags Low Turnout, Structural Challenges
Civil society organisations, including CISLAC and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), expressed concern over low voter turnout, logistical shortcomings, and alleged political interference across FCT, Kano, and Rivers states.
They warned that declining participation reflects eroding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. Disability advocacy groups also highlighted accessibility gaps affecting persons with disabilities.
Tinubu, Wike Hail APC Victories
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the APC candidates, describing the results as an endorsement of his administration’s reform agenda. He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for what he termed remarkable developmental achievements in the territory.
Wike, in a post-election assessment, said the voting pattern distinguished “genuine political actors” from what he described as opportunistic elements.
The APC National Chairman described the outcome as a “resounding endorsement” of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that the results reflected growing public confidence in the party’s leadership.
Broader National Concerns Raised
Separately, religious and civic leaders raised broader national issues, including warnings over the potential hardship implications of Nigeria’s 2025 Tax Act and the security risks posed by illegal mining activities.
At a recent plenary gathering, Catholic leaders called for leadership anchored on service, justice, and equity, while expressing hope that the 2027 general elections would reflect the genuine will of Nigerians.
The 2026 local and by-elections, while largely peaceful, have once again spotlighted Nigeria’s enduring electoral tensions, partisan disputes, and the continuing debate over governance, reform, and democratic accountability.
Comments