FCT Area Council Polls: AMAC PDP candidate withdraws, backs APC flagbearer
The Chairmanship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections and declared support for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Dantani’s withdrawal comes less than 24 hours after the PDP Chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, similarly stepped down in favour of the APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa, signaling a significant political shift ahead of the polls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Announcing his decision, Dantani said he acted following the intervention of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the party leader in the territory. He stated that after consultations with family members and stakeholders, he agreed to withdraw from the race.
According to him, the decision was taken in the interest of unity and in support of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dantani confirmed that he had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his withdrawal, submitting a letter to that effect.
In his letter to the electoral body, Dantani stated that his decision to withdraw from contesting the AMAC Chairmanship position was voluntary and made after due consultation and consideration. He emphasized that the move was taken of his own free will.
He also called on his supporters across the 12 wards of AMAC to rally behind the APC candidate, Maikalangu, in the forthcoming election.
The development is expected to reshape the political dynamics in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils as political parties intensify preparations for the Area Council elections in the FCT.
