In a fresh development ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, another Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has formally withdrawn from the contest to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) a move that supporters say was influenced by political negotiations involving Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The candidate, whose name was submitted as a PDP aspirant for one of the FCT council seats, announced the decision to step aside at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, February 20, 2026. The candidate said the choice to withdraw from the race was made in the interest of unity and local political alignment, and pledged full support to the APC’s council candidates ahead of the polls scheduled for March 1, 2026.
Speaking to journalists, the candidate expressed confidence that supporting the APC would strengthen governance continuity and enhance grassroots representation under the leadership of the incumbent party. He cited consultations with party elders, constituents and stakeholders as part of the reasoning behind the decision to step down.
Political sources familiar with the development say the intervention of FCT Minister Wike played a significant role in facilitating the transition of support. Wike, who wields strong influence among political figures in the FCT and the south-south geopolitical zone, has been actively engaged in behind-the-scenes diplomacy to manage political tensions and improve cooperation among parties ahead of the council elections.
Observers noted that this latest withdrawal represents a continuation of shifting alliances in the lead-up to the FCT local polls. It follows earlier defections and strategic withdrawals by political actors who have aligned themselves with the APC’s campaign, signalling a consolidation of support for the ruling party’s candidates.
The PDP candidate insisted that the decision was not borne of coercion, but rather a strategic move that reflects the will of his supporters on the ground. He said discussions with party elders and constituents revealed a preference for a unified approach that he believes will deliver better governance outcomes for residents of the affected area council.
This development has drawn mixed reactions from political watchers. Some analysts describe it as part of standard election-season positioning, where aspirants reassess their prospects and make tactical decisions in response to larger party dynamics. Others see it as part of growing momentum for the APC in the FCT, potentially strengthening its hold on local government seats and control of grass-roots administration.
Critics of the decision maintain that party loyalty and internal democracy should guide electoral contests, cautioning that withdrawals influenced by external pressure could erode confidence in competitive politics. They argue that vibrant political competition is essential for accountability and representative government.
Supporters of the withdrawal, however, argue that strategic alignment can reduce political fragmentation and enhance effective governance, especially at the local level where leadership must navigate service delivery, budgetary oversight and community development projects.
The FCT Area Council elections are expected to be closely watched as a bellwether for broader political trends ahead of the 2027 general elections. With multiple candidates and shifting allegiances, analysts say the outcome will offer insights into changing voter preferences and party strengths in the federal capital region.
As the March 1 polling date approaches, all political parties are intensifying their campaigns and coalition-building efforts. The latest PDP withdrawal highlights the fluid nature of political alignments in Nigeria’s local electoral landscape and underscores the importance of negotiations, influence and grassroots engagement in shaping electoral contests
