JUST IN: Another PDP Candidate Steps Down for APC in FCT After Wike’s Directive
Another chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Federal Capital Territory has withdrew from the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections.
Zadna Dantani, who was contesting for the chairmanship of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, announced his decision on Thursday.
He urged his supporters to work for the victory of the APC candidate, Christopher Maikalangu.
The development comes barely a day after a similar move in Bwari Area Council, where the PDP chairmanship candidate, Julius Adamu, stepped down for the APC candidate, Joshua Musa. The back-to-back withdrawals have sparked intense reactions within political circles in Abuja.
Dantani said his decision followed consultations with party leaders and stakeholders after an intervention by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He described the election as one that should promote unity rather than rivalry and noted that his action was taken in the interest of peace and cooperation in the council.
He also linked his support for the APC candidate to ongoing federal efforts under President Bola Tinubu, stressing that governance should come before personal ambition.
Dantani confirmed that he had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, of his withdrawal.
A letter was submitted ahead of the election date, stating that the decision was voluntary and made after wide consultations with family members and political associates.
He called on supporters across the 12 wards of the Abuja Municipal Area Council to mobilise fully for the APC candidate during the polls.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council race is one of six chairmanship contests scheduled across the FCT. Elections will also take place in Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali Area Councils.
INEC has fixed February 21, 2026, for the elections. Campaign activities are expected to end on February 19. A total of 68 positions will be contested, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship slots.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria earlier reported the withdrawal of the PDP chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council, who also endorsed the APC contender following consultations linked to the FCT minister’s directive.
