Abuja is alive with political tension and anticipation as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections draw near, set for Saturday, 21 February 2026. Residents across the six area councils, Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali are preparing to elect chairmen and councillors in a race that promises to be highly competitive, tightly contested, and closely watched. A total of 570 candidates from 17 political parties, including the dominant APC, PDP, and ADC, are on the ballot, each vying for control of local governance, public services, and community projects. The outcome of these elections will shape not just the political landscape of Abuja but also influence the broader dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In AMAC, arguably the most high-profile area council, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu (APC) is campaigning on a platform of continuity, promising to complete ongoing projects and improve service delivery. His main challenger from the PDP, Hon. Zadna Dantani, withdrew from the race and publicly endorsed Maikalangu, creating a dramatic shift in the political battlefield and leaving the ADC’s Moses Ogidi as the main alternative voice appealing to grassroots voters with promises of community-driven development and participatory governance. This withdrawal and alliance have already stirred conversations among voters and political watchers, as it could determine the election’s outcome in a council that is politically diverse and densely populated.
In Abaji Area Council, the contest remains highly competitive. APC’s Mr. Abdullahi has focused his campaign on continuing development programs and ensuring local services reach underserved communities. The PDP’s Sokodabo Bilyaminu has built his campaign around improving rural infrastructure, healthcare access, and social welfare programs, aiming to appeal to voters who feel left behind by existing administration efforts. Meanwhile, ADC’s Mohammed Ibrahim is positioning himself as a candidate for inclusivity, promising transparent governance and active citizen participation. These candidates have spent weeks touring towns and villages, engaging voters through rallies, town hall meetings, and even social media campaigns targeting both urban and peri-urban populations.
The Kuje Area Council race is another hotly contested battleground. APC’s Danluma Shekwolo is pushing infrastructure development, fiscal discipline, and efficient service delivery as his central campaign points. PDP’s Zakwoyi Danlami, on the other hand, is emphasizing transparency, citizen engagement, and ensuring that local governance reflects the voices of residents. In Bwari, Gwagwalada, and Kwali, similar dynamics are at play, with APC and PDP dominating the field but smaller parties and independent candidates continuing to offer alternative options to voters. These contests demonstrate the vibrant political competition in the FCT, where party loyalty, local influence, and candidate track records all play crucial roles in shaping outcomes.
Strategic withdrawals and alliances have already influenced several races, particularly in AMAC and Bwari, as candidates step aside to support allies or form coalitions. These maneuvers are calculated, designed to consolidate votes and strengthen the chances of preferred candidates, and they are likely to affect voter behavior, especially in closely contested wards. Political analysts note that such moves often signal deeper negotiations behind the scenes and reflect the intricate nature of local politics, where relationships, loyalty, and influence can be as important as campaign promises.
Security is a top priority as election day approaches. The FCT Police Command, along with the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army, have deployed officers across Abuja to maintain peace and order. A 12-hour movement restriction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. has been imposed, with only essential election personnel, accredited media, and election officials allowed to move freely. This comprehensive security arrangement is intended to prevent disruptions, safeguard election materials, and protect voters as they exercise their democratic rights. Residents have been advised to plan their movements carefully, while authorities have reassured the public that these measures are temporary and aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Voter expectations are high. Residents are keenly observing candidates’ promises, past performance, and ability to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and infrastructure. Campaigns have blended traditional rallies with innovative digital outreach, allowing candidates to connect with urban youth and peri-urban voters alike. Many voters see these elections as an opportunity to influence local development directly and hold elected officials accountable for community welfare.
Though primarily local, the elections carry national significance. Performance in high-profile councils like AMAC and Bwari could boost party momentum, expand organizational networks, and signal political strength ahead of the 2027 general elections. Strong showings can also affect future alliances, with parties leveraging results to negotiate influence in national politics. For political observers, the elections offer a lens into voter behavior, party popularity, and the effectiveness of campaign strategies in Nigeria’s capital territory.
As Abuja enters election day, the stakes are high. Candidates, parties, and voters alike understand that these elections will determine not just leadership for the next four years but also the credibility and vibrancy of democracy at the grassroots level.
With security forces on high alert, strategic alliances reshaping contests, and voters highly engaged, the FCT Area Council elections are shaping up to be a decisive, high-stakes test of political strategy, civic participation, and grassroots leadership in Nigeria’s capital. The eyes of the nation, and indeed political analysts across the continent, will be on Abuja as residents step forward to shape the future of their communities.
