The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dominated the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, winning five of the six chairmanship seats declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in only one council.
Results announced on Sunday showed that the APC clinched Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje Area Councils, leaving Gwagwalada as the sole council won by the PDP.
The final declaration in Kuje came amid earlier controversy after the PDP accused INEC of delaying results from two wards and warned that the situation could undermine the credibility of the election.
The opposition party had alleged that the delay raised fears of possible manipulation, particularly because of what it described as its narrow lead in the affected areas.
Despite the concerns, INEC later declared APC candidate Danjuma Shekwolo winner of the Kuje chairmanship election after polling 17,269 votes.
In Gwagwalada Area Council, however, the PDP recorded its only victory as its candidate, Mohammed Kasim, polled 22,165 votes to defeat the APC’s Yahaya Shehu, who secured 17,788 votes.
Returning Officer Philip Akpen, while announcing the result, declared that Kasim, “having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
The breakdown of votes in Gwagwalada showed PDP with 22,165 votes, APC with 17,788, APGA with 1,687, and ADC with 1,366.
In Bwari Area Council, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku emerged victorious with 18,466 votes. Returning Officer Mohammed Nurudeen announced that Ishaku, “having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.” INEC figures showed ADC scored 4,254 votes while ZLP polled 3,515.
The APC also retained control of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, where incumbent chairman Christopher Maikalangu was re-elected after securing 40,295 votes.
AMAC Collation Officer Andrew Abue declared Maikalangu winner, stating that he had “satisfied the requirements of the law” and was returned elected. Other parties trailed behind, with ADC polling 12,109 votes, PDP 3,398, SDP 2,185 and NNPP 1,694.
In Abaji Area Council, APC candidate Umar Abdullahi Abubakar won the chairmanship election with 15,536 votes, defeating the PDP which scored 4,547 votes, while ADC polled 37 votes.
Similarly, in Kwali Area Council, APC candidate Nuhu Daniel secured victory after polling 17,032 votes to defeat PDP’s Haruna Pai, who garnered 8,575 votes.
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