APC and PDP Clash Over 2026 FCT Area Council Election Results

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have exchanged sharp reactions following the conclusion of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, which were held on Saturday, February 21. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that the APC won five of the six chairmanship positions across the territory’s area councils, while the PDP secured only the Gwagwalada seat.

APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the outcome as a natural reflection of voters’ choices. Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Morka said the election was conducted in accordance with the law, with votes collated and verified by INEC before the results were announced. “The fact is that an election was called, and Nigerians who were eligible to vote went out to cast their ballots. The authority empowered to conduct and monitor the election did so and declared the results in favour of the APC. The votes were counted and every requirement was met. The APC won the majority of councils in the FCT,” he said.

Morka further argued that the ruling party’s strong performance was predictable given public support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. “The APC is the ruling party, and President Tinubu is doing a fantastic job. Economic indicators are improving at a pace many did not expect. The outcome should not come as a surprise,” he added.

In contrast, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong expressed reservations about the election process, citing low voter turnout, delays in result collation, and alleged logistical issues. He also criticized the visible presence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at polling areas, claiming it could compromise public confidence. “This was the first election conducted under the new Electoral Act, and the turnout reinforces concerns about voter apathy. In many polling units, only a handful of voters participated, while in others, no one voted, believing their votes would not count. How could an election that ended in the afternoon have results available only the following day? This shows the importance of real-time electronic transmission,” Ememobong said.

He emphasized that the PDP’s concerns are not driven by party bitterness but by the need to safeguard electoral integrity. “We are not sore losers. Several issues affected the election, including movement restrictions before the polls, which many stakeholders considered unnecessary. These problems need to be addressed to ensure credible contests in the future,” he added.

Addressing questions about Wike’s involvement in campaigning, Morka defended the minister’s actions as constitutionally protected. “Mr Wike is a citizen of Nigeria with the freedom to participate in democracy, hold opinions, and act lawfully. His actions reflect personal political choices and should not be over-interpreted,” he said. Ememobong, however, argued that Wike’s presence could undermine confidence in the process, noting that the minister is not registered to vote in the FCT but was actively present at polling units with supporters.

The FCT Area Council elections were conducted to elect six chairmen and 62 councillors across the territory. APC secured victories in the Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Kuje, and Kwali councils, while PDP won Gwagwalada. Observers noted that the elections were largely peaceful, but the low voter turnout and administrative delays have raised questions about electoral preparedness and public confidence.

President Tinubu has congratulated the winners and commended citizens for participating, while opposition parties and civil society groups continue to evaluate the conduct and outcomes of the exercise.