Ahead of 2027: APC Wins 5 Out of 6 FCT Area Councils, ADC Mum

*Tinubu: Successful conduct of polls in nation’s capital, Rivers, Kano has strengthened our democratic culture, institutions 

*Yilwatda: Our victories are clear testament to grassroots strength

*Outcome has exposed emergency democrats, declares Wike

*Southern Govs, Lagos hail president, party

*PDP wants INEC to release results of two wards in Kuje, congratulates successful candidates

*Olawepo-Hashim says FCT results signal PDP’s resurgence 

*INEC denies migrating voters to new polling units 

*EFCC arrests 20 over alleged electoral fraud 

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan,Adedayo Akinwale, Alex Enumah in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has tightened its grip on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the 2027 general election, winning five of the six Area Councils in the nation’s capital.

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, hailed the successful conduct of Saturday’s elections in FCT, as well as by-elections in Rivers and Kano states, saying it has further strengthened democratic culture and institutions in the country.

National Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the victories of the party in FCT and the by-elections in Kano and Rivers states as a clear testament to the resilience, unity, and grassroots strength of the party.

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, congratulated Tinubu on the conduct of Saturday’s FCT area council elections, saying the outcome has exposed emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in the country and its government.

Southern governors’ forum, under the leadership of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, applauded the performance of APC, saying the party’s strong showing represents wide acceptance by Nigerians.

The Lagos State chapter of APC said the poll results were a good testimonial of the good works of Tinubu.

However, Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately release the results of two wards in Kuje Area Council. PDP said there were indications that it was in lead in the two councils.

The party also congratulated its successful candidates in the FCT elections.

Similarly, PDP presidential aspirant, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, described the outcome of the FCT elections as a strong evidence that the party was regaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, despite internal challenges and political pressure. 

There was no official reaction to Saturday’s elections from the national leadership of the opposition coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), as at press time yesterday.

But the ADC chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Moses Paul, refused to concede defeat, citing evidence of electoral irregularities and vowing to continue the fight for the people’s mandate.

Nonetheless, INEC denied migrating voters to new polling units different from their original polling units during the FCT elections. And operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported that they arrested 20 persons believed to have engaged in sundry electoral offences during the FCT polls.

The FCT Area Council elections held on Saturday, February 21, saw APC winning Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kwali, Kuje, Bwari, and Abaji, while PDP won Gwagwalada.

INEC, on Sunday morning, declared Mohammed Kasim of PDP as winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election.

INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced that Mohammed scored 22,165 votes to secure a decisive victory in a keenly contested election, while Yahaya Shehu of APC came second with 17,788 votes

Akpen affirmed that Mohammed met the legal requirements to be returned as the duly elected chairman.

He described the electoral process as “peaceful and smooth”, despite the high stakes.

The electoral umpire also declared Daniel Nuhu of APC winner of Kwali Area Council chairmanship election. Nuhu polled 17,032 votes to defeat Haruna Pai of PDP, who scored 8,575 votes to come second in the election.

INEC declared Joshua Ishaku of APC winner of Bwari Area Council chairmanship election.

The returning officer, Mohammed Nurudeen, while declaring the results, said Ishaku secured a total of 18,466 votes to win the election.

The commission declared Zakka Christopher of APC winner of the AMAC chairmanship election.

The APC candidate scored a total of 40,295 votes to defeat ADC that polled 12,109 votes, while PDP trailed with 3,398 votes.

The ruling party continued its winning streak after INEC declared Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar of APC winner of Abaji Area Council election.  Abubakar polled a total of 15,535 votes.

He defeated his closest challenger, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) candidate, who polled 5,357 votes. The PDP candidate trailed with 4,547 votes, followed by New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) with 53 votes, and ADC with 37 votes.

INEC further declared Hon. Samuel Shekwolo of APC winner of Kuje Area Council election.

With the outcome of the FCT area council election, APC and Tinubu are believed to have tightened their grip on Abuja ahead of the 2027 general election.

Although the FCT election was an off-season exercise that may not be used as a yardstick.

Tinubu: Successful Conduct of Polls in FCT, Rivers, Kano Has Strengthened Democracy 

President Bola Tinubu stressed that the successful conduct of Saturday’s elections in FCT, Rivers and Kano has further strengthened democratic culture and institutions.

Tinubu called on INEC to continue to improve on its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes.

The president, in a release by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, felicitated the winners in FCT, Rivers and Kano states.

Tinubu urged the winners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication and to view the mandate given to them by the people as a sacred trust.

He commended Wike for his achievements in the FCT, which had yielded political dividends to the governing APC.

The president congratulated the APC national leadership, as well as its Kano and Rivers leaderships, and all members of the party, on the victories at the polls.

He lauded INEC, security agencies, and voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.

He also commended the courage and discipline displayed by all the contestants, stating that democracy is enriched with the vibrancy of participation and competition. 

Yilwatda: APC Victories Are Clear Testament to Grassroots Strength

National Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the party’s victories in the FCT as well as the by-elections in Kano and Rivers states as a clear testament to the resilience, unity, and grassroots strength of the party.

Yilwatda, in a post on X, commended party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the two states and FCT for their discipline and dedication.

He stated, “I heartily congratulate our teeming supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers States on the successful and peaceful conduct of the Saturday, 21st February 2026 polls. 

“The victories recorded are a clear testament to the resilience, unity, and grassroots strength of our great party.

“I warmly congratulate the five APC chairmanship candidates who emerged victorious in AMAC, Kuje, Abaji, Bwari and Kwali, as well as the PDP chairmanship candidate who won in Gwagwalada.

“The people have spoken through the ballot, and democracy has prevailed. I also congratulate the four state House of Assembly candidates who secured victory in Kano and Rivers States.”

Wike: Outcome of FCT Polls Has Exposed Emergency Democrats 

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the peaceful conduct of the FCT elections, stating that the outcome has exposed emergency democrats, who see nothing good in the country and its government.

In a broadcast yesterday, Wike said the outcome of the election had shown to Nigerians which party was the ruling party and the real opposition party in the country.

He described the peaceful conduct of the election as a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance.

“The residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government,” Wike said.

He thanked the president for the development he had brought to FCT.

The minister said the election was a reflection of Tinubu’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda had brought optimism and confidence to the people of FCT.

He stated, “This election has, indeed, shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party. 

“Also, the election has further exposed the hypocrisy of people, who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaign just to deceive Nigerians.

“Yesterday, the residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government. 

“I thank Mr President for the development he has brought to the FCT. This election is a reflection of the president’s vision and leadership, and a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought optimism and confidence to the people of the FCT.

“No doubt, the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly the residents of the FCT, has not gone unnoticed. 

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has given us hope for a brighter future, and we are confident that under his leadership, the FCT will continue to be a model of development and progress.”

Wike added, “I commend the president for standing firm in his defence of democracy, particularly in ensuring the amendment of the Electoral Act to strengthen the conduct of credible elections. This demonstrates his commitment to improving our democratic process.

“At this juncture, I also congratulate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a free, fair, and credible election. This is a reflection of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring that our electoral processes are transparent and reliable.”

Southern Govs’ Forum Hails Tinubu, APC

Southern Governors’ Forum, under the leadership of Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, applauded the performance of the APC in the area council elections, saying the party’s strong showing represents wide acceptance of the party by Nigerians.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Abiodun described APC’s strong performance as an endorsement of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Abiodun, who congratulated the president, chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and the APC candidates in the elections on the great outing, said the party’s performance at the polls was a precursor to its impending victory in the 2027 general election.

The governor stated, “No doubt, the outcome of the area council polls at the FCT has shown clearly that Nigerians are fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, and will again demonstrate this during the 2027 general election.

“The vast majority of Nigerians know that with APC at the helm of affairs, Nigeria’s future is in safe hands. I congratulate President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our great party, the APC, on this remarkable outing, which is a pointer to our victory in 2027.” 

Lagos APC: It’s Referendum on Tinubu’s Legacy

Lagos State Chapter of APC said the results of Saturday’s elections in FCT, Kano, and Rivers were a testimonial of the good works of President Bola Tinubu.

The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, insisted that the results were the “profound appreciation to the good people of Rivers and Kano States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Nigerians at large for their overwhelming support for our great party and the president in the just concluded by-elections”. 

According to Oladejo, the outcome of the by-elections across the affected constituencies stand as a clear and unmistakable referendum on the leadership of Tinubu and the progressive ideals that continue to guide governance in the country. 

Oladejo stated, “The resounding victories recorded by our candidates reaffirm the confidence of the electorate in the Renewed Hope Agenda and the transformative policies being implemented at both the federal and state levels.

“At a time when detractors and opposition elements have sought to misrepresent the direction of the country, the people have spoken decisively through the ballot. 

“These results demonstrate that Nigerians recognise bold leadership, economic reforms, infrastructural expansion, and institutional strengthening when they see them.” 

ADC Candidate Vows to Continue Fight for AMAC’s Future

ADC chairman candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Moses Paul, vowed to continue the fight for the people’s mandate, despite the poll outcome. He alleged poll fraud in the results announced by INEC.

“Today, I stand before you not as a man diminished by an outcome, but as a man enlarged by a movement,” Paul declared.

He added, “A movement born not of convenience, but of conviction. A movement carried not by power, but by people. A movement written not in ink, but in sacrifice.”

Paul praised the people of AMAC for their courage and resilience, saying, “You rose. You stood. You walked. You spoke. You believed. And for that, I bow my head in gratitude.”

He emphasised that the struggle for a better AMAC would continue.

“No force in history has ever defeated an idea whose time has come,” he said.

The ADC candidate extended his gratitude to supporters, volunteers, and the people of AMAC, vowing to remain committed to their cause.

He stated, “I remain accountable to you. I remain one of you. This is not the end of our journey. This is the beginning of a permanent awakening.”

APC Sweeps Kano Assembly By-elections

APC has won the two seats in Saturday’s by-election in Kano Municipal and Ungogo local government areas of Kano State. 

INEC declared the APC candidates, Nabil Aliyu Daneji and Aminu Sa’ad Sa’ad, as winners of the polls held to fill vacant legislative positions in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, respectively. 

Returning Officer for Kano Municipal, Professor Ibrahim Tajo Siraj, announced that Daneji secured 7,484 votes to defeat eight other contestants. 

The declaration followed the collation of results from the affected polling units, confirming APC’s dominance in the contest. 

In Ungogo constituency, Returning Officer, Professor Ali Tijjani Abdullahi, declared Sa’ad winner after he polled 8,975 votes to defeat all other candidates. 

Abdullahi affirmed that the outcome reflected the will of the people, praising the cooperation of political parties, observers, and voters.

However, the Kwankwasiyya movement explained that the two APC candidates in the by-elections in Kano State were initially nominated by the national leader of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso. 

A statement by spokesman of the group, Habibu Sale Mohammed, said Kwankwaso nominated the sons of the two candidates before they joine APC. 

According to him, Kwankwaso’s decision to nominate the lawmakers’ sons was a tribute to their fathers, who passed away on the same day while serving on the NNPP platform at the state House of Assembly 

The statement said, “In a move to honour their memory and show compassion, National Leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso supported the nomination of their children as party flag bearers. This decision was made in recognition of the lawmakers’ sacrifices and commitment to the party.” 

PDP Wants INEC to Release Kuje Results, Felicitates All Victorious Candidates

The PDP leadership called on INEC to release the results of two ward elections in Kuje Area Council.

The party raised fears of manipulation because of its marginal leads in the two wards.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party said, “We are concerned that the results from two wards in Kuje Area Council are yet to be announced by INEC. 

”This delay has raised apprehension because of the marginal lead that the Peoples Democratic Party has there, which we are aware is under the threat of being manipulated using security forces.

”We call on the chairman of INEC to immediately order the announcement of the results in Kuje Central and Kabi Wards, most of which have been posted on the IREV.

”Election results must remain a true reflection of the votes of the people; anything less invalidates the entire process. We should uphold the sanctity of the ballot.”

PDP congratulated its successful candidates in the FCT election.

In another statement by Emeombong, the party said, “This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics and brazen executive brigandage. 

“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets in polling units, intimidate voters, and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.

“We specifically congratulate the chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We have set up a special legal team, headed by the National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq, to attend to candidates who have genuine complaints arising from these elections and to assist with post-election litigations. 

“They should immediately contact the National Legal Adviser for prompt action, as delay is fatal in election petition cases.” 

Emeombong said the voter apathy in the polls was a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people had lost faith in the outcomes from elections conducted under the act. 

Olawepo-Hashim: FCT Results Signal PDP’s Resurgence Ahead of 2027 Elections

PDP presidential hopeful, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, described the outcome of the FCT elections as strong evidence that the party was regaining momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, despite internal challenges and political pressure. 

Reacting to the results, Olawepo-Hashim congratulated party members and supporters for what he termed an “outstanding performance under difficult circumstances”, saying the polls demonstrate that PDP remains structurally intact and electorally competitive, despite internal challenges.

He said, “The PDP is a resurgent party. In spite of leadership disputes at the national level and deliberate efforts to weaken our structure in the FCT, the people stood firmly by the party.” 

He specifically commended ward leaders, polling unit agents, and party supporters for their “unshakable loyalty to the party logo”, declaring, “You cannot suppress structure. You cannot intimidate conviction. The grassroots have spoken.”

CP-PDP Hails Party over Gwagwalada, Insists  PDP Won Kuje, Two Other Seats 

Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) congratulated Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the various councillors over their victory in the FCT council elections.

Chairman of CP-PDP, Obinna Nwachukwu, however, alerted of alleged attempt by APC to use compromised security agencies to unleash violence in the area, terrorise the people and rob PDP of its victory in Kuje.

The conference said it had video evidence of the deployment of heavy security, who engaged in shooting, frightening residents and carting away ballot boxes, while results from Kuje Central and Kabi wards, which had the largest votes, were being held ostensibly to rig the poll for APC.

CP-PDP described the situation in Kuje as a recipe for serious crisis in the FCT and called on the Inspector General of Police to wade in and ensure that only the results that reflected the actual votes cast were announced.

CP-PDP stated, ”The manifest popularity and performance of the PDP in the FCT election, despite the serial attacks, threats, intimidation, propaganda, lies and extensive shenanigans by the APC using the instrumentality of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, further underscore the undisputed strength and potency of the PDP at the grassroots level across the country.”

INEC Denies Migrating Voters to Other Polling Units During FCT Council Elections

INEC denied migrating voters to polling units different from their original polling units during the FCT elections.

INEC Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Acting Director, Wilfred Ifogah, in a statement, said what the commission did was to create split polling units in large polling units with voter registration of over 1,250 voters to avoid congestion on election day. 

Ifogah stated, “The commission, however, noted challenges encountered by some voters in locating their designated polling units.

“Contrary to the claim in some quarters that some voters were migrated to another/ new polling units different from their original polling units, the commission wishes to state categorically that voters were not migrated, what the commission did was to create split polling units in large polling units with voters registration of over 1,250 voters to avoid congestion on election day. 

“The split units are located some few meters away from the original polling units within the same premises.”

Ifogah added, “The public will recall that the commission displayed the register of voters at designated centres/split polling units four days to the Area Council elections to enable voters confirm their details and polling unit locations.”

He stated that text messages/emails were sent to the affected voters on February 18, 19, 20, and 21 indicating the actual locations of their split polling units. He said the messages were intended solely as reminders to assist voters in identifying their current polling units.

Ifogah said according to the commission’s Election Operations Dashboard, 45 per cent of polling units opened for voting at 8:30am, while all polling units were confirmed open by 10am on Election Day. 

EFCC Apprehends 20 for Electoral Fraud 

Operatives of EFCC, yesterday, reported its operatives arrested 20 persons believed to have engaged in sundry electoral offences in the FCT elections.  

The anti-graft agency, in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the culprits were arrested across the local government councils in the FCT.

The statement said, “The suspects were arrested across the FCT, for offences ranging from vote buying, vote selling to obstruction of officers to the tune of N17,218,700 (Seventeen Million, Two Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira only). 

“One of the suspects was arrested with a sum of N13,500,000 (Thirteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in a car parked beside a polling booth in the Kwali local government area.” 

In a breakdown of the figure, Oyewale disclosed that while two of the suspects were arrested in Abaji; nine were arrested in Gwagwalada; and four each were caught in Kuje and Kwali council areas.

He added that all those arrested would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.