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

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