Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A significant development has emerged in the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council election as a candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew from the contest and publicly endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. The decision reportedly followed consultations with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Independent verification of some details remains limited, and certain aspects of the narrative are based on preliminary reports and public statements rather than confirmed official documentation.
According to multiple political sources within Abuja and party circles, the PDP candidate—whose name has not yet been independently confirmed by major national outlets at the time of reporting—announced the withdrawal during a media engagement after meetings involving key stakeholders. The candidate reportedly cited strategic considerations and local consensus-building as the primary reasons for the decision, emphasizing what they described as “unity and development priorities” for the territory.
The Alliance Shift
Political actors and party operatives in the FCT have framed the endorsement as a strategic consolidation of support that could influence voter behaviour in closely contested Area Council positions across the six councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. The APC candidate welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a boost to their campaign and a sign of emerging cross-party cooperation on local governance issues.
Role of Nyesom Wike
The involvement of Nyesom Wike, a prominent political figure and current Minister of the FCT, has been widely cited in reports as instrumental in facilitating the dialogue that led to the candidate’s withdrawal. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and senior PDP figure before assuming his current ministerial role in the federal cabinet, has maintained high visibility across political discussions in the FCT. However, official confirmation from the minister’s office regarding the specifics of the consultation has not been publicly released, and Lagos–based national media outlets have not yet published authenticated transcripts or statements verifying private negotiations.
Why Verification Matters
At the time of this update, verified reporting from established media organisations (e.g., national newspapers or press releases from INEC or the parties involved) confirming the full factual sequence remains limited. Some initial accounts have appeared on social media and fringe news platforms, but they have not been independently corroborated by primary reporting from major national outlets such as The Guardian Nigeria, Punch, Premium Times, or official party or electoral commission communiqués. Readers should accordingly interpret these developments with caution.
Political and Electoral Implications
If confirmed in full, the withdrawal by a PDP candidate and subsequent endorsement of an APC rival would be an unusual realignment in the FCT’s election cycle, given that local council races typically feature intense competition along party lines. Such a shift could affect ground-level campaign dynamics, voter mobilization, and perceptions of party strength in the territory. Analysts note that the FCT’s Area Council elections often serve as barometers for broader national political trends and local grassroots alliances.
Electoral Technicalities
Under Nigeria’s electoral regulations, candidates may withdraw from contests within specified windows, provided appropriate notices are filed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It is not yet clear whether formal documentation has been filed with INEC regarding the candidate’s withdrawal, and confirmation from the electoral body would be necessary to ensure the action complies with statutory requirements and ballot preparation deadlines.
Public and Political Reactions
Responses within political circles have been mixed. Supporters of the APC candidate have welcomed the move, while some members within the PDP and allied civil society groups have expressed skepticism or concern about the timing and motivations behind the withdrawal. Critics argue that such manoeuvres may undermine internal party democracy and leave voters with fewer choices. Proponents contend that consensus-building enhances stability and reduces intra-electoral tensions.
Awaiting Official Statements
As of this report, neither INEC nor official spokespeople for the PDP or APC in the FCT have published fully verified press statements confirming the details of the candidate’s withdrawal and endorsement. Local party offices in the FCT have been contacted for comment, but formal responses were not available by deadline. Readers should watch for official communiqués from INEC’s FCT Area Council election unit or party headquarters, which may provide authoritative confirmation.
What’s Next
Verifiable details regarding the candidate’s identity, the timeline of events, and INEC’s regulatory response are expected to emerge as the election approaches. Independent media verification, official party releases and documentation filed with the electoral commission will be essential to confirm the full narrative. Until such confirmation is available, elements of the report should be read as contextual developments that are widely discussed but not yet fully authenticated by primary sources.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments