With just two days remaining before the local council elections in Abuja, two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidates will be absent from the ballot in two of the six area councils. Both have withdrawn from the race to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Candidates from Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) cited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as instrumental in persuading them to step down. They described the APC candidates as their “brothers” and pledged their support.
The PDP chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the race in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Dantani said his decision followed the intervention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and was aimed at promoting unity within the party and supporting the initiatives of President Bola Tinubu.
He confirmed that he has formally submitted a letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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Speaking on his decision, Dantani said: “I sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. By the grace of God, this decision is not for personal interest. Following the intervention of the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who reminded us that this is a brotherhood election, I have decided not to contest against my brother, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. I have submitted my withdrawal letter to INEC, and I call on all my supporters across the 12 wards in AMAC to support Hon. Maikalangu.”
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In his letter to INEC, Dantani emphasized that his withdrawal was voluntary and followed consultations with family and party stakeholders. He wrote: “I, Hon. Zadna Dantani of Gosa Village along Airport Road, FCT Abuja, a member and candidate of the PDP, have decided to voluntarily withdraw from contesting for the Chairmanship position of Abuja Municipal Area Council in the forthcoming Area Council Elections scheduled for 21st February, 2026, after thorough consultation with my family and relevant stakeholders. This decision is borne out of my own free will.”
Bwari PDP Chairmanship Candidate, Julius Adamu, Stepped down For APC Joshua Ishaku Musa
Dantani’s withdrawal comes less than 24 hours after the PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, stepped down in favour of the APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa.
Adamu announced his decision on Thursday, attributing it to consultations with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“I have been in deep consultation with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and I have come to the conclusion that Joshua and I are brothers,” Adamu said. “It will not be nice for two brothers to fight over one office. Therefore, I have relinquished my ambition and thrown my support behind Hon. Joshua.”
He urged his supporters to back Musa in the upcoming election.
Addressing party members and supporters at the event, Wike called on voters in Bwari to rally behind the APC candidate, promising development projects if he emerges victorious.
“The people of Bwari, let me tell you why you should support Joshua. If you vote for Joshua, I will do more roads in Bwari,” the minister said. “On Saturday, come out and ensure that Joshua wins the election.”
The development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Bwari Area Council ahead of Saturday’s polls.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
