APC wins 5 councils, PDP secures 1 President thanks Wike for delivering Abuja
By Chesa Chesa & Daniel Tyokua
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Goshwe Yilwatda, has described the outcome of the weekend elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Rivers states as a strong endorsement of the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The APC secured chairmanship victories in five area councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Kuje, Abaji, Bwari and Kwali, which Yilwatda said underscores the party’s strong grassroots connection and organisational strength.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, APC chairman said the results of the Saturday, February 21, 2026 polls reflect growing public confidence in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Yilwatda, the victories recorded by the ruling party, particularly in the nation’s capital, signal Nigerians’ belief that ongoing reforms will steer the country toward sustainable growth and prosperity.
“I heartily congratulate our teeming supporters of the APC in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Rivers States on the successful, peaceful and credible conduct of the polls. The victories recorded by our great party are a clear testament to the resilience, unity and grassroots strength of the APC,” Yilwatda said.
He noted that the outcome of the FCT Area Council elections carries special national significance, describing the results in Abuja as “a powerful statement by Nigerians from all walks of life” in support of President Tinubu’s leadership.
“As residents of the nation’s capital, their verdict sends a strong message of widespread support, renewed hope and confidence in the ability of this administration to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity,” he stated.
He also congratulated the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who won in Gwagwalada, describing the result as evidence that democracy has prevailed and that the will of the people was respected.
Beyond the FCT, the APC chairman celebrated the party’s four State House of Assembly victories in Kano and Rivers states, attributing the successes to effective party organisation and public trust in APC leadership.
Yilwatda commended party leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the three states for what he described as their discipline and commitment to peaceful participation in the democratic process. He also acknowledged the professionalism of security agencies and election officials during the polls.
“As we celebrate these victories, we must remain united, focused and committed to delivering good governance at all levels. The message from the people is clear: they want results, accountability and continued reforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC will not disappoint,” the statement concluded.
Declaring the results, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Christopher Maikalangu of the AlPC as the chairman-elect for AMAC.
The returning Officer, Prof. Andrew Abue, said that Maikalangu, who is the incumbent AMAC chairman, was returned elected having scored the highest number of votes cast, 40,295 out of the total number of Valid Votes of 62,861 in the election.
He said candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Moses Paul came second, with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.
According to Abue, the rejected votes is 2,336 and total valid votes is 62,861, while the total vote cast is 65,197.
He added that the number of registered voters in AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.
“That Maikalangu of the APC, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Abue said.
In Kwali, the incumbent Speaker of the Council, Mr. Nuhu Daniel of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emerged Chairman-elect.
Daniel secured 17,075 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mohammed Haruna Pai of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 8,575 votes.
Announcing the results at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Area Office in Kwali on Sunday morning, the Returning Officer, Olympus Ejue, declared Mr. Nuhu Daniel the winner, having satisfied the requirements of the law.
Joshua Ishaku of APC won in Bwari, Samuel Shemwolo swept Kuje, Abdullahi Abubakar of APC won in Abaji, while Mr. Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party secured Gwagwalada Area Council.
Following the strong showing of the APC in the polls, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners in the FCT and by-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State, as well as in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement issued Sunday, the President urged the winners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication and to view the mandate given to them by the people as a sacred trust.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
The President congratulated the APC national leadership, Kano and Rivers leaderships, and all members of the party on the victories at the polls.
President Tinubu further lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.
He further commended the courage and discipline displayed by all the contestants, stating that democracy is enriched with the vibrancy of participation and competition.
President Tinubu affirmed that the successful conduct of the elections further strengthens democratic culture and institutions and calls on INEC to continue improving its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes.
