Political activities have reached a crescendo in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as 17 political parties prepare for Saturday’s area council elections, following clearance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC confirmed that the parties will contest 68 elective positions comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship posts across the six area councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
The commission disclosed that more than 1.6 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in 2,822 polling units spread across the territory.
Parties cleared for the polls include Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
With campaigns entering their final stretch, parties have intensified voter outreach through rallies, door-to-door mobilisation and community engagements aimed at swaying undecided voters.
The ADC, in particular, has stepped up grassroots mobilisation, rolling out community-based programmes and social interventions, including health initiatives, to boost its appeal among residents dissatisfied with local governance.
Conversely, the APC is banking on incumbency, strong party structures and its links to the federal government to retain control of councils under its influence and possibly expand its footprint.
A notable feature of the election is the absence of the Labour Party (LP) from the ballot. INEC’s final list contains no LP candidates, following court judgments that upheld the party’s exclusion due to unresolved leadership crises and legal disputes.
Political observers note that the absence of LP— which recorded strong performances in the FCT during the 2023 general elections—could reshape voting patterns, potentially consolidating competition around the APC and ADC.
Meanwhile, the PDP has grappled with internal challenges, including defections and withdrawals, developments that analysts say could weaken its chances in some councils.
One of the most dramatic twists has unfolded in Bwari Area Council, where the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, publicly endorsed APC chairmanship candidate Joshua Ishaku.
Wike promised improved infrastructure, including roads and schools, if Ishaku emerges victorious, following the withdrawal of PDP candidate Julius Adamu, who announced his decision to step down after consultations and what he termed “fatherly advice” from the minister.
Adamu’s withdrawal shocked many PDP supporters, especially as he had earlier enjoyed the backing of the outgoing council chairman. The Supreme Court had previously affirmed Ishaku as the valid APC candidate.
As election day approaches, security agencies have intensified preparations. The FCT Police Command has announced a restriction of movement from 6am to 6pm on Saturday, exempting only essential service providers and election officials, while urging residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the exercise.
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