PDP Picks Chairmanship Candidates For 2026 FCT Area Council Polls

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially concluded its primary elections for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls, producing chairmanship candidates across all six area councils in what party officials described as a transparent and rancour-free process.

The primaries, held on Monday in Abuja, saw a blend of consensus candidacies and tightly contested races as the party sets its sights on reclaiming political dominance across the FCT.

In Kuje Area Council, Mr. Zacharia Danlami emerged unopposed after his only challenger, Mr. Michael Jigu, withdrew from the race. Danlami secured all 30 delegate votes, solidifying his position as the PDP flagbearer.

Similarly, in Abaji Area Council, Mr. Musa Biliyanmu, was unanimously endorsed by delegates, polling all 30 votes as the sole aspirant.

The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) witnessed a more competitive contest. Mr. Zadna Dintani clinched the party’s ticket with 24 votes, defeating Mr. William Gaje, who garnered 12 votes.

In Gwagwalada Area Council, Mr. Kasim Mohammed, secured victory with 19 votes, outpacing his rival Mr. Rabiu Adamu, who received 11 votes.

Kwali Area Council’s primary election was a three-horse race. Mr. Harruna Mohammed emerged victorious with 13 votes, while Mr. Daniel Ibrahim and Mr. Shashim Zaka polled 11 and six votes, respectively.

The most hotly contested primary took place in Bwari Area Council, where six aspirants battled for the PDP ticket. Mr. Julius Adamu emerged triumphant with 19 votes. His closest competitor, Mr. Bitrus Jibada, secured 6 votes, while Mr. Harruna Mohammed and Mr. Ibrahim Dauda had one vote each. Mr. Zaka Bello failed to record any votes.

Chairman of the PDP Electoral Committee, Mr. Chris Hassan, commended the process, stating: “I want to gladly announce to you that the elections were rancor-free and went smoothly in line with the ideals of our party.”

He urged aspirants and supporters to remain united ahead of the 2026 elections.

“It is our desire that all aspirants and candidates will work towards the success of the elections come 2026,” Hassan added.

Ahead of the exercise in 2026, FCT PDP Chairman, Hon. Ismaila M. Dogara, reiterated the party’s commitment to internal democracy.

“We are going back to the people. It is time to choose the people’s choice as the party’s mandate,” Dogara emphasised.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Josephine Itoyah-Splendor, had earlier issued a statement on June 22 reaffirming the PDP’s stance against imposition, declaring that the primary elections would reflect the true will of the people.