The All Progressives Congress (APC) has solidified its control over Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by clinching victory in five out of six Area Councils during the February 21, 2026, elections, signaling strong momentum ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Election Overview
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared results on February 22 after peaceful voting across Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. APC candidates triumphed decisively in most councils, with vote margins reflecting robust grassroots mobilization promised by party leaders earlier in February.
Key Victories
- AMAC: Zakka Christopher (APC) won with 40,295 votes, beating ADC’s 12,109 and PDP’s 3,398.
- Abaji: Abdullahi Abubakar (APC) secured 15,535 votes against YPP’s 5,357.
- Kwali: Daniel Nuhu (APC) polled 17,032 votes over PDP’s 8,575.
- Bwari: Joshua Ishaku (APC) took 18,466 votes.
- Kuje: Samuel Shekwolo (APC) emerged victorious.
INEC returning officers praised the process as smooth despite high stakes.
PDP’s Lone Hold
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mohammed Kasim won Gwagwalada with 22,165 votes to APC’s Yahaya Shehu’s 17,788, marking a rare opposition foothold in the APC stronghold.
Strategic Implications
This outcome reverses APC’s 2022 split with PDP and boosts confidence after pre-election vows to sweep all six councils. As FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s influence grows, the results test ruling party unity in diverse Abuja ahead of national contests.
