The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairmanship Race brings together a diverse group of candidates offering distinct visions for grassroots leadership and community development across the territory’s six area councils.
Representing major political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and others, each aspirant brings unique experience and policy priorities to the contest.
From seasoned local administrators and grassroots organisers to community advocates and youth leaders, these candidates reflect the vibrant political landscape of the FCT, where voters are presented with a range of options for effective, accountable and inclusive governance at the area council level.
Over 400 candidates, including their running mates, contested these positions on the platforms of 14 political parties.
PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATES
ABAJI AREA COUNCIL
INEC has cleared seven candidates for the Abaji chairmanship election.
Of the total, three are widely considered leading contenders: Sokodabo Bilyaminu (PDP), Umar Abdullahi (APC), the incumbent chairman seeking re-election, and Mohammed Ibrahim (ADC).
Umar Abdullahi (APC)
Hon. Umar Abdullahi is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently serves as the Executive Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He has served as Chairman of the Abaji Area Council, one of the six area councils in the FCT, where he oversees local governance, council administration, community services, and grassroots development initiatives.
Mr. Abdullahi is a native of Abaji and the APC flagbearer for the chairmanship election. As the incumbent chairman, he is widely regarded as the candidate to beat. His campaign is anchored on a continuity platform, emphasizing the consolidation of ongoing development projects and sustained administrative progress within the council.
With a solid business background, he has years of experience in local commerce and agro-trade in Abaji. His private sector experience has influenced his governance style, particularly in areas related to economic empowerment and local market development.
Sokodabo Bilyaminu (PDP)
Mr. Sokodabo Bilyaminu is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for the Abaji Area Council election. He emerged as the PDP nominee through a consensus process during the party’s 2025 primaries, securing unanimous support from delegates.
He built his political base through sustained grassroots party organisation in Abaji, developing strong links with ward-level supporters and party members. Before clinching the PDP ticket, Mr. Bilyaminu served in local party executive roles and was actively involved in ward-level mobilisation during previous council and national elections.
Mohammed Ibrahim (ADC)
Mohammed Ibrahim is the chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Abaji Area Council election. His candidacy reflects the ADC’s broader strategy to expand its influence at the grassroots and local government level within the FCT.
Throughout the campaign cycle, Mr. Ibrahim has remained visibly active in grassroots engagements, participating in community outreach programmes and voter mobilisation efforts. His campaign activities have included engagements alongside prominent ADC figures, notably former presidential candidate Peter Obi, whose political movement has influenced increased youth and reform-minded participation in alternative party platforms.
Aminu Sadiq (NNPP)
Aminu Sadiq is the chairmanship candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for the Abaji Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the final list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he is one of the seven aspirants contesting the chairmanship seat for the 2026 council polls.
Sadiq Aminu has positioned himself as a representative of youthful leadership and fresh political energy within the Abaji Area Council race. Campaign messaging shared on local party platforms underscores his commitment to community engagement, active listening, and responsiveness to residents’ concerns, particularly among young voters and grassroots supporters.
Loko Mohammed (YPP)
Alhaji Loko Mohammed Angulu is the chairmanship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for the Abaji Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was formally unveiled as the YPP standard-bearer through an affirmation process in the party’s 2025 nomination exercise, where he secured overwhelming support from party delegates.
As a seasoned political figure with previous leadership experience in the council, Loko Mohammed has campaigned on a platform centred on enhancing public service delivery, healthcare access, and community wellbeing.
ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL
INEC has cleared 16 candidates for the AMAC chairmanship race. Among them, Zadna Dantani (PDP), Christopher Maikalangu (APC), and Moses Ogidi (ADC) were initially on the ballot.
However, less than 48 hours ahead of the election, Mr Dantani stepped down in favour of the APC candidate.
Mr Dantani said his decision followed interventions by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and confirmed that he had submitted a formal withdrawal letter to INEC.
Zaka Christopher (APC)
Hon. Zaka Christopher / Christopher Zakka Maikalangu is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), competing in the 2026 Area Council polls. He is the incumbent Executive Chairman of AMAC and his nomination by the APC reflects his established prominence in FCT local politics.
Originally elected as AMAC chairman under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2022, Christopher Zakka later defected to the APC in 2025, a strategic political move welcomed by party leaders as a boost to the ruling party’s strength in the territory.
Across his tenure, Zaka Christopher has built his political profile through party organisation and strong grassroots mobilisation, earning support from diverse community leaders, including religious groups in areas such as Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Karu, and Karshi wards.
His campaign for re-election in 2026 emphasises continuity and partnership with the federal government to further deliver local governance outcomes. Projects under his administration have reportedly included investments in electrification, rural roads, solar-powered boreholes, agricultural support, and enhanced community services, drawing broad public engagement during grassroots tours.
Paul Moses Ogidi (ADC)
Paul Moses Ogidi, popularly known as Dr. Mo, is the chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local council elections. He is one of the principal contestants challenging the traditional dominance of the ruling party and other major political platforms in AMAC.
Dr. Ogidi has built a reputation as a community-minded politician and grassroots advocate, presenting himself as a strong voice for residents who feel underserved by existing local governance structures. Known widely in the AMAC political space as “Dr. Mo,” he emphasises inclusive leadership, accountability, and civic responsiveness as cornerstones of his campaign.
A graduate of the University of Abuja, he is recognised not only as a politician but also as a convener of civic action groups, notably serving as the convener of the Free Nigeria Movement — a coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups, and women’s networks dedicated to promoting good governance, responsible citizenship, and social activism within communities.
Simon Obinna (SDP)
Dr. Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the chairmanship of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. He was formally recognised as the SDP’s nominee after party primaries and was issued a Certificate of Return by the SDP’s FCT secretariat, confirming his candidacy for the February 21 2026 poll.
Obinna Simon brings a blend of education, entertainment, youth advocacy, and grassroots activism to his political campaign. A former educator with more than eight years of teaching experience, he has framed his bid as rooted in a commitment to progressive governance, inclusivity, and sustainable community development.
Onyebuchi Chukwu (APGA)
Hon. Comrade Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, widely known as Delaw, is the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections.
As a leading figure in APGA, he also serves as the National Youth Leader of the party and Chairman of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of all Political Parties in Nigeria (FNYLPPN), highlighting his active role in youth-focused political leadership.
Chukwu’s public life and political philosophy centre on people-oriented governance, inclusion, and community empowerment. He has championed initiatives that cut across youth development, peace advocacy, and grassroots engagement, reflecting a leadership style that stresses dignity, opportunity, and unity for all.
BWARI AREA COUNCIL
INEC has cleared 11 candidates for the Bwari chairmanship contest.
The main contender is Joshua Ishaku of the APC, following the withdrawal of Julius Adamu (PDP) from the race.
Mr Adamu said he had “deep consultation” with Mr Wike and had decided to step down to support Mr Ishaku in the upcoming election.
The incumbent chairman, John Gabaya, is not on the ballot.
Joshua Isahaku (APC)
Hon. Joshua Isahaku Musa is the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the Bwari Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. He represents one of the principal APC contenders in the contest for local leadership in Bwari, a key area within the FCT’s six council jurisdictions.
Joshua Isahaku’s path to candidacy was shaped by both party primaries and subsequent legal affirmation. Following a protracted internal dispute over the APC nomination, the Supreme Court of Nigeria issued a decisive 4–1 judgment affirming him as the lawful APC flagbearer for the Bwari chairmanship election.
Musa A. Josiah (ADC)
Hon. Musa A. Josiah, commonly referenced in election coverage as Hon. Josiah Musa Kuche, is the chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Bwari Area Council contest in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections — part of the February 21 local council polls.
His nomination under the ADC banner has put him among the key contenders in the Bwari race, representing the party’s push to offer a credible alternative to the major parties at the grassroots level.
Musa’s campaign has been actively energised by high‑profile support from party leaders; for example, Peter Obi, the prominent ADC figure and presidential frontrunner, joined Musa during campaign stops in the FCT, boosting visibility and voter engagement for his candidacy ahead of the elections.
These joint appearances — such as in local markets and community centres in Bwari and surrounding areas — have highlighted ADC’s grassroots strategy and mobilising efforts.
Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi (SDP)
Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chairmanship candidate for the Bwari Area Council in the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory local council elections.
He represents the SDP’s bid to offer an alternative leadership choice in one of the key contests in the FCT’s grassroots elections, standing on a platform of inclusive governance, community‑driven development, and participatory leadership.
Abdullahi has actively campaigned as a grassroots community leader with strong ties to local residents and traditional institutions. During SDP outreach efforts, he joined party leaders in palace visits to the Sarkin of Bwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji Awal Musa Ijakoro II, where the focus was on promoting peaceful elections, community engagement, and voter education ahead of the polls.
SDP national figures, including the party’s national chairman and former presidential aspirant, have publicly expressed confidence in his leadership capabilities and suitability for local governance.
Danjuma S. Garda (ZLP)
Hon. Danjuma Solomon Garda, widely known as MC Dariya, is the **chairmanship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for the Bwari Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. His candidacy represents ZLP’s effort to expand its influence at the grassroots and present a credible alternative to the dominant parties in the local polls.
MC Dariya is recognised locally as a youth leader, media personality, and community advocate with established grassroots connections in the Bwari Area Council and throughout the FCT.
He has a track record of community engagement and service that includes involvement in youth empowerment initiatives, civic outreach programmes, and local development advocacy.
GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL
INEC has cleared 11 candidates for the Gwagwalada chairmanship race.
The main contenders are Yahaya Shehu (APC) and Mohammed Kasim (PDP).
The incumbent chairman, Abubakar Giri, is not seeking re-election this cycle, making this a competitive open seat.
Yahaya U. Shehu (APC)
Yahaya U. Shehu is the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the February 21, 2026 council elections.
He emerged as the APC’s flagbearer for Gwagwalada during the party’s primaries, securing the nomination in a process where other aspirants withdrew their bids, reflecting strong internal support within party structures.
His nomination was later affirmed by the APC Gwagwalada Chapter, confirming him as the consensus candidate for the party’s campaign in the forthcoming local government election. In his remarks after the affirmation, Shehu thanked party members for their confidence and called for unity among APC supporters in the area to ensure a strong showing at the polls.
Mohammed Kasim (PDP)
Mohammed Kasim is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for the Gwagwalada Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. He emerged as the PDP flagbearer for Gwagwalada through the party’s primary process, where he secured victory over his opponent to represent the party in the February 21, 2026 local government polls.
As the PDP candidate, Kasim has actively engaged in campaign activities aimed at mobilising grassroots support across communities within Gwagwalada. He has urged party members and residents to unite behind the PDP’s vision of inclusive leadership and development, emphasising the importance of collective effort to secure victory at the polls.
Danjuma S. Afanyibada (ADC)
Hon. Pharm. Danjuma Iko Afanyibada (often referenced in media as Danjuma S. Afanyibada) is the chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Gwagwalada Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
He emerged as the ADC’s consensus choice in the party’s chairmanship primary, where other aspirants stepped down in his favour, reflecting strong confidence in his leadership capacity and experience to deliver for the party at the grassroots level.
Afanyibada was unopposed in the ADC primaries for Gwagwalada, underscoring broad internal support within the party hierarchy and among local party members.
Bala G. Khalid (SDP)
Bala Gano Haladu Khalid, commonly referred to as Bala G. Khalid, is the chairmanship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Gwagwalada Area Council election scheduled for February 21, 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He is one of the principal contenders representing the SDP’s bid to bring accountable, inclusive, and people‑centred governance to the council.
Bala Khalid has been actively engaged in grassroots mobilisation and community outreach throughout the campaign cycle. His approach combines issue‑based campaigning with sustained interaction with residents and stakeholders across Gwagwalada, aimed at addressing long‑standing developmental challenges.
Biko U. Ezekiel (APGA)
Chief Ezekiel Umar Biko, often referred to in local political reporting as Biko U. Ezekiel, is the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Gwagwalada Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
He is one of the key contenders representing APGA’s effort to regain influence in local governance within the FCT.
Chief Biko has taken a pro‑transparency and integrity‑focused stance throughout the campaign period, using media appearances and public statements to call for a credible and violence‑free election environment. He has personally cautioned other candidates and political actors against engaging in vote buying and electoral violence, warning that the practice undermines democratic credibility and the prospects of genuine leadership for the council.
KWALI AREA COUNCIL
INEC has cleared nine candidates for the Kwali chairmanship contest.
The principal contenders are Haruna Pai (PDP) and Daniel Nuhu (APC).
The incumbent chairman, Danladi Chiya, is not seeking re-election.
Daniel N. Kwali (APC)
Hon. Daniel Nuhu “Daniel N. Kwali” is the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kwali Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for February 21, 2026. He emerged as his party’s flagbearer following the APC nomination process, in which he broadened support among delegates and party executives in the council.
Daniel N. Kwali currently serves as the Speaker of the Legislative Arm of the Kwali Area Council, a key leadership position within the local government’s legislative structure. In that role, he has been actively involved in budget oversight, legislative engagement with the executive, and community outreach.
His decision to contest for the chairmanship reflects a transition from legislative leadership to executive ambition at the council level. If elected, he has pledged to bring people‑oriented governance and participatory leadership to Kwali’s administration.
Haruna Pai Moh’d (PDP)
Alhaji Haruna Pai Mohammed is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer contesting for the chairmanship of the Kwali Area Council in the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local council elections. He emerged as the PDP candidate after winning his party’s primary election in Kwali, where he secured 13 out of 30 delegate votes, defeating rival aspirants and earning the party’s endorsement to contest the election under the PDP platform.
Pai has been active within local political structures and PDP grassroots networks in Kwali, reflecting his long‑standing engagement in area council politics. His selection came through a competitive internal process, indicating internal confidence in his leadership potential from PDP members.
Following his primary victory, Pai — alongside other PDP chairmanship candidates — received a Certificate of Return from the PDP’s FCT leadership, formalising his candidacy ahead of the polls and affirming his position as the party’s standard‑bearer for Kwali.
Bandoji Jeremiah (ADC)
Hon. Bandoji Jeremiah is the **chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Kwali Area Council election scheduled for February 21, 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He emerged as the ADC’s official nominee following a duly monitored primary election held in June 2025, solidifying his mandate to contest the chairmanship seat representing his party’s grassroots vision for the council.
Bandoji Jeremiah has positioned himself as a grassroots reformist leader, focusing on addressing what he and many residents describe as long‑standing marginalisation and developmental neglect in Kwali — historically one of the less developed of the FCT’s six area councils.
Agada Ojonugwa Friday (ADP)
Agada Ojonugwa Friday is the Action Democratic Party (ADP) chairmanship candidate for the Kwali Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
He is one of nine candidates cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the top executive position in Kwali, representing one of the smaller but nationally registered parties seeking local leadership roles in the FCT.
Friday is the official ADP nominee for Kwali chairmanship, participating in a competitive field that includes candidates from multiple parties such as the APC, PDP, ADC, and others.
KUJE AREA COUNCIL
Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo (APC)
Hon. Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo is the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for the Kuje Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. He is contesting the election scheduled for February 21, 2026, representing the APC in a key grassroots contest within one of the FCT’s six councils.
Shekwolo emerged as the APC consensus candidate in the Kuje Area Council primary after several aspirants stepped down in his favour, reflecting strong support within party ranks.
At the primaries, out of six aspirants, four withdrew and backed him, and he subsequently won a commanding majority of delegate votes to secure the party’s nomination.
Zakwoyi Danlami (PDP)
Hon. Zakwoyi Danlami is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for the Kuje Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
He was cleared as the PDP flagbearer for Kuje after his only primary opponent withdrew from the race, giving him unanimous support from party delegates.
Danlami’s emergence as the PDP candidate followed a consensus primary process in which his sole challenger, Michael Jigu, withdrew and endorsed him, giving him full backing from local PDP delegates.
Knabaya Stephen Adalo (ADC)
Hon. Knabaya Stephen Adalo (also referenced in some reports as Knabayi Stephen) is the chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Kuje Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
He is among the 11 official candidates contesting for the Kuje chairmanship seat, representing the ADC on a platform committed to grassroots inclusion and accountable local governance.
Stephen emerged through his party’s nomination process as the ADC flagbearer in the Kuje Area Council race, a position that reflects internal party confidence in his leadership potential and grassroots mobilisation capacity.
Zephaniah Dikko (SDP)
Hon. Dikko Zephaniah Kpagu Gbusu is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) flagbearer for the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the February 21, 2026 local government polls. He emerged as the SDP’s nominee at the party’s primary held on June 28, 2025, where he was elected as the party’s standard‑bearer — a process officially described as free, fair, and transparent by party officials.
Dikko Zephaniah’s nomination reflects his positioning within SDP as a grassroots leader and advocate for socio‑economic justice in Kuje. According to coverage of the primary, his victory was described as symbolic of the collective resistance against political oppression, land exploitation, and economic marginalization affecting residents of the council area.
Alhaji Abdullahi D. Galadima (APGA)
Alhaji Abdullahi D. Galadima is the chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Kuje Area Council in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. He represents APGA’s bid to expand its footprint and offer a grassroots alternative to the dominant APC and PDP candidates in the FCT local polls.
Galadima is a former Chairman of the Kuje Area Council, having previously led the council under the APC platform before transitioning to APGA ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His experience as council chairman gives him a track record of grassroots governance and administrative leadership in local government.
He has also been involved in public service beyond the council, including appointment as Chairman of the Federal Government’s Special Public Works Programme (SPWP) in the FCT, overseeing planning and coordination of job creation initiatives across the six area councils.