FCT Area Council Polls: Meet The Front-Runners Across Six Councils
The Stakes in Nigeria’s Capital
AS residents of the Federal Capital Territory prepare for the 21 February Area Council elections, attention is turning to the candidates vying to govern the six councils that make up the territory — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT has no elected governor. It is overseen by a federally appointed minister, making area councils the closest elected authorities to residents. Their responsibilities — primary education, sanitation, local roads, markets and primary healthcare — directly affect daily life.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct the elections in 2,822 polling units across 62 wards. Yet, as in previous cycles, voter awareness remains uneven, especially in urban districts.
Abaji: Continuity vs Grassroots Mobilisation
In Abaji, three candidates dominate the conversation.
Umar Abdullahi of the APC, the incumbent chairman, is campaigning on continuity. A local businessman with roots in agro-trade, he argues that ongoing school and market projects require consolidation.
Challenging him is Sokodabo Bilyaminu of the PDP, whose base lies in ward-level mobilisation and farmer cooperatives. His message centres on rural feeder roads and primary healthcare access.
Mohammed Ibrahim of the ADC represents a third force, framing his candidacy around community-driven governance and broader political reform messaging.
AMAC: Incumbency and a Late Withdrawal
AMAC, the FCT’s most urbanised council, features incumbent Christopher Maikalangu of the APC. Elected in 2022 on the PDP platform before defecting, he is seeking a second term on the strength of incumbency and alignment with federal authorities.
The race shifted dramatically when PDP candidate Zadna Dantani stepped down shortly before the poll, citing consultations with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
ADC candidate Moses Ogidi, known as “Dr. Mo,” continues to campaign on civic accountability, youth inclusion and service delivery reforms.
Bwari: Legal Drama and Political Realignment
In Bwari, APC candidate Joshua Ishaku emerged after a Supreme Court ruling affirmed his nomination. His legal victory reshaped the contest, particularly after PDP contender Julius Adamu withdrew.
The absence of the incumbent chairman has further opened the field, but APC’s consolidation has positioned Ishaku as the leading figure.
Open Seats in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali
Gwagwalada features a competitive contest between Yahaya Shehu (APC) and Mohammed Kasim (PDP), as incumbent Abubakar Giri is not re-contesting.
In Kuje, Zakwoyi Danlami (PDP) faces Danluma Shekwolo (APC) in another open race. Campaign themes include fiscal transparency, infrastructure and inclusive governance.
Kwali’s contest pits Haruna Pai (PDP), who emphasises agricultural development and water access, against Daniel Nuhu (APC), who is campaigning on market expansion and structured governance reforms.
Gender Representation and Voter Awareness
Only three women are contesting chairmanship positions across the six councils — a figure below five per cent of candidates. However, female participation is stronger in vice-chairmanship races.
Across the territory, many voters admit limited knowledge of candidates beyond party labels. Yet in rural wards, community lineage and familiarity remain decisive factors.
As election day approaches, experience, party machinery and grassroots credibility will shape outcomes in the councils that form the democratic backbone of Nigeria’s capital.
