Breaking: INEC Declares APC’s Joshua Ishaku Winner of Bwari Chairmanship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Bwari Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The declaration was made on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after INEC concluded the ward-by-ward collation of votes cast during Saturday’s 2026 FCT area council elections. Electoral officials confirmed that the APC candidate secured the highest number of valid votes, defeating candidates of other political parties in what observers described as a keenly contested poll.

INEC officials confirmed that results were collated from all 10 wards in Bwari Area Council, including Kubwa, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Igu, Shere, Kawu, Usuma, and Bwari Central, before the final announcement was made. Party agents present at the collation centre acknowledged the outcome after the final tally, although detailed vote figures were still being released at the time of reporting.

Ishaku’s victory followed weeks of internal party disputes and legal challenges over the APC nomination in Bwari. The legal hurdles were resolved shortly before the election, clearing the way for his participation. Political analysts say the outcome has further strengthened the APC’s foothold in parts of the FCT, particularly in suburban councils where grassroots mobilisation played a decisive role.

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The Bwari chairmanship result is part of the wider FCT area council elections, which were conducted simultaneously across AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, Abaji, and Bwari. While the APC has secured victories in some councils, opposition parties have also recorded wins in others, reflecting a competitive political landscape in Nigeria’s capital.

Observers reported generally peaceful voting across most polling units in Bwari Area Council, though voter turnout was moderate in several locations. INEC officials said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed effectively in most centres, with only minimal technical issues recorded. Security agencies were visibly deployed across strategic locations, and no major incidents were reported during voting or collation.

With the declaration concluded, attention has shifted to the issuance of Certificates of Return to elected chairmen and councillors across the FCT. The newly elected officials are expected to assume office within the statutory timeline set by the FCT administration. Analysts say the 2026 FCT area council elections are widely regarded as an early indicator of political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Breaking: INEC Declares APC’s Joshua Ishaku Winner of Bwari Chairmanship Election

FCT Poll: APC’s Maikalangu Wins AMAC Chairmanship as Collation Continues

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has recorded a major victory in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) as its candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, emerged winner of the AMAC chairmanship election in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council polls.

Maikalangu, the incumbent AMAC chairman, secured a decisive advantage during voting at his home polling unit on Saturday, February 21, 2026, reinforcing the APC’s strong showing in Nigeria’s capital.

At Polling Unit 004, Garki Village 2, Maikalangu polled 229 votes, defeating Paul Ogidi of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who scored 15 votes, and Onyebuchi Chukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who received one vote.

Speaking shortly after casting his ballot, Maikalangu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as a smooth and efficient voting process.

“In less than three minutes, I cast my vote. Everything went well, and the process was seamless,” he said, expressing confidence in the conduct of the election.

Low Turnout Recorded at Polling Unit

Despite the APC’s dominance at the polling unit, voter turnout was relatively low. Out of 2,287 registered voters, only 252 voters participated, reflecting a broader trend of modest voter participation recorded in parts of the AMAC election.

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Collation Ongoing Across AMAC

INEC officials confirmed that ward-by-ward collation of results for the AMAC chairmanship election is underway following the conclusion of voting across multiple polling units.

Maikalangu is one of two incumbent area council chairmen seeking re-election under the APC platform in the FCT. The other is Abubakar Abdullahi, chairman of Abaji Area Council.

FCT-Wide Area Council Elections

The AMAC poll is part of the broader FCT area council elections, which include chairmanship contests in Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali, all conducted simultaneously on Saturday.

While the APC has strengthened its position in AMAC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded a notable victory in Gwagwalada Area Council, where its candidate was declared winner after results from all wards were fully collated.

As results continue to emerge across the councils, political parties, observers, and residents await INEC’s final declarations ahead of the official swearing-in of newly elected chairmen later this month.

FCT Poll: APC’s Maikalangu Wins AMAC Chairmanship as Collation Continues

FCT Poll: INEC Declares PDP’s Kasim Winner of Gwagwalada Chairmanship

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

INEC’s Returning Officer, Philip Akpeni, announced the result after the successful collation of votes from all wards, confirming that the PDP candidate met all legal requirements to be returned elected.

According to the official results, Kasim polled 22,165 votes, defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Yahaya, who scored 17,788 votes. Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) came third with 1,687 votes.

“That Mohammed Kasim of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Akpeni stated while announcing the result of the 2026 FCT Area Council election held on February 21, 2026.

Election Held Across 10 Wards

The Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship election was conducted across ten wards — Paiko, Dobi, Gwako, Ibwa, Staff Quarters, Zuba, Ikwa, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Centre, and Tunga Maje. INEC officials confirmed that voting commenced largely on schedule, with election materials delivered on time and no major disruptions recorded.

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APC Candidate Commends INEC, Security Agencies

Despite losing the contest, APC candidate Usman Yahaya commended INEC for what he described as the timely distribution of election materials and the professionalism of polling officials.

He also praised the role of security agencies, noting the visible deployment of personnel across polling units in the FCT, which he said contributed to a largely peaceful exercise.

Low Voter Turnout Raises Grassroots Concerns

Yahaya, however, expressed concern over low voter turnout, attributing it to voter apathy and what he described as a disconnect between residents and the area councils.

According to him, the cosmopolitan nature of the FCT and the perception that local government elections have limited impact continue to discourage participation, though he expressed optimism that civic engagement would improve in future polls.

PDP Hails Victory

PDP supporters in parts of Gwagwalada celebrated the victory, describing the outcome as a reflection of grassroots confidence in Kasim’s agenda, which focused on improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and youth inclusion at the council level.

INEC maintained that the election substantially complied with electoral guidelines, adding that the process was peaceful and orderly.

FCT Poll: INEC Declares PDP’s Kasim Winner of Gwagwalada Chairmanship