The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured a decisive victory in the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections, winning five of the six contested chairmanship positions and further entrenching its influence across Nigeria’s capital region. The results, declared following the local polls, highlight the party’s sustained organizational strength in the territory.
APC candidates claimed leadership in Bwari, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. In Bwari, Joshua Ishaku led with 18,466 votes. Chris Garki won the AMAC chairmanship, while Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, Nuhu Daniel Kwali, and Abdullahi Umar Abubakar were elected in Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji, respectively. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed only one win, with Kasim Mohammed securing the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship.
The FCT, structured into six area councils, operates as Nigeria’s federal capital with local governments responsible for critical services including infrastructure maintenance, waste management, and community development. These chairmanship elections are therefore pivotal for grassroots governance, directly impacting daily life for residents in Abuja and its environs. Historically, the APC has dominated FCT politics since gaining federal control in 2015, a trend reinforced by this outcome. PDP’s retention of Gwagwalada, however, reflects pockets of opposition support that persist in specific locales.
Area council elections often serve as a bellwether for national political dynamics. The APC’s broad sweep in the FCT—a region known for its diverse, urban electorate—suggests robust party machinery and voter alignment with its platforms. Observers note that such local victories can bolster momentum for future electoral contests, while opposition parties may reassess strategies to expand their reach in the capital territory.
The elected chairmen are expected to assume office imminently, focusing on local priorities such as road networks, public health, and educational facilities. For the APC, controlling five councils streamlines policy coordination with FCT Administration and federal agencies, potentially accelerating development initiatives. Meanwhile, PDP’s limited foothold underscores challenges in mobilizing across the territory’s varied demographics.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, local government elections remain essential for decentralizing power and enhancing accountability. The FCT results not only reaffirm the APC’s regional dominance but also set the stage for ongoing dialogues about urban governance, resource allocation, and civic engagement in the nation’s capital. The performance of these new council leaders will be closely watched as they address immediate community needs amid broader national discussions on federalism and local autonomy.
