Manny Ita –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally congratulated the winners of the Saturday, February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, following a decisive performance by the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued through the State House on Monday, the President specifically highlighted the contributions of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, noting that his administrative efforts in the territory had “yielded political dividends” for the governing party. The APC secured chairmanship seats in five out of the six area councils—Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, and Kwali—while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained its foothold in Gwagwalada.
The President urged the newly elected officials to approach their mandates with “humility, patriotism, and dedication,” characterizing their victory as a “sacred trust” from the people. He further emphasized that the peaceful execution of the polls in the FCT, as well as by-elections in Rivers and Kano states, serves as a testament to the strengthening of Nigeria’s democratic culture. “Democracy is enriched with the vibrancy of participation and competition,” the President stated, while also commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for maintaining order during the exercise.
Minister Nyesom Wike, responding to the results, characterized the outcome as a validation of the “Renewed Hope Agenda” and a rebuke to critics he described as “emergency democrats.” Wike asserted that the electoral success was a direct reflection of the infrastructure projects and urban renewal efforts led by his administration in Abuja. Meanwhile, the PDP has raised concerns regarding the process; the party’s spokesman, Ini Ememobong, cited “low voter turnout and logistical concerns” as factors that might lead the opposition to challenge specific results in court.
The election cycle was also marked by a significant crackdown on financial inducement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The anti-graft agency confirmed the arrest of 20 suspects across several area councils for alleged vote-buying and selling. According to the EFCC, over ₦17.2 million in cash was recovered during the operations, including a single seizure of ₦13.5 million from a vehicle parked near a polling booth in Kwali. The commission stated that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
