FCT Council Elections: 17 Parties Intensify Final Push Ahead of Saturday’s Vote

Story: Written by springnewsng February 20,2026
With Saturday’s Area Council elections drawing near, political parties have stepped up last-minute campaigns across the Federal Capital Territory, following the clearance of 17 parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest 68 elective positions.
The available seats include six chairmanship posts and 62 councillorship slots spread across Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. INEC estimates that more than 1.6 million registered voters will cast their ballots at 2,822 polling units.
Among the participating parties are the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party, and several others seeking to gain a foothold in grassroots governance.
The ADC has intensified door-to-door engagement and community-based programmes, including health-related outreach, in a bid to connect with underserved residents. Party leaders believe this strategy could resonate with voters dissatisfied with local administration.
In contrast, APC candidates are banking on incumbency, strong party structures, and links to the federal government to maintain or expand their control of the councils.
A notable development is the absence of the Labour Party from the ballot. Court decisions upheld its exclusion after prolonged leadership disputes, removing a key third-force contender that had previously gained traction in the FCT following its strong performance in the 2023 presidential election.
Internal divisions within the PDP have also reshaped the race, with defections and withdrawals weakening its campaign strength in some areas.
In Bwari Area Council, the contest took a dramatic turn after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike publicly endorsed APC candidate Joshua Ishaku, promising improved infrastructure if he wins. The move followed the withdrawal of PDP candidate Julius Adamu, who announced his support for Ishaku after consultations with the minister. The Supreme Court of Nigeria had earlier confirmed Ishaku as the valid APC candidate.
Wike’s open involvement has sparked debate across the territory, especially after his earlier remarks suggesting that candidates opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could face defeat, a comment critics view as controversial.