FCT Poll: Parties Rush to Tackle Crises as INEC Finalizes Candidate List

Political Parties in FCT Prepare for Upcoming Area Council Elections

As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) approaches its Area Councils’ election, political parties are intensifying their efforts to address internal challenges and finalize campaign strategies. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on political campaigns, allowing parties to begin their activities from September 24, 2025, to February 19, 2026. This directive aligns with Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which ensures that no party or candidate benefits from incumbency.

INEC’s Role in Facilitating Fair Campaigns

The electoral body has emphasized the importance of unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and public rallies. This move is intended to promote transparency and fairness in the electoral process. INEC also released the names of 17 chairmanship candidates and councillorship candidates, marking a significant step forward in the preparation for the polls.

Mobilization Across Political Parties

Stakeholders and chieftains from major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and others, have begun mobilizing for the election. Leaders from these parties are meeting to determine the focus of their campaigns, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming contest.

Internal Challenges and Reconciliation Efforts

Despite the progress, some political parties are still grappling with internal crises arising from their primary elections. For instance, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman, an APC stakeholder in Kuje Area Council, highlighted the party’s successful resolution of internal conflicts. He noted that all aspirants have united under the approved candidate, emphasizing that there is no internal crisis within the party in Kuje.

However, not all areas are experiencing such unity. Yakubu Musa, an APC chieftain in Gwagwalada Area Council, expressed concerns about the lack of unity among key stakeholders. He called for a stakeholders’ meeting to ensure the party’s success, urging leaders to emulate other councils that have already taken steps to unite.

Opposition Parties Ready for the Challenge

The PDP, as the main opposition, has been actively preparing for the election. Mr. Abednego Ishaya, a PDP chieftain in Gwagwalada, stated that the party has reconciled all aggrieved aspirants and their supporters. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to win, noting that even those who lost in the primaries are now working together for the party’s victory.

Meanwhile, Dangana Samuel, a Labour Party chieftain in Gwagwalada, raised concerns about the exclusion of his party’s chairmanship candidate from the INEC list. He emphasized the need for INEC to include the candidate’s name, as this omission could demoralize supporters and affect the party’s chances.

Reconciliation and Unity as Key Factors

Kabiru Alhassan, an APC chieftain in Bwari, stressed the importance of reconciliation among aggrieved members. He warned that unresolved tensions could lead to unexpected outcomes, highlighting the need for unity to secure the party’s victory.

The FCT State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed Yenche, expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness. He mentioned that the PDP controls three area councils and has established a reconciliation committee to ensure unity across the six area councils.

Similarly, the FCT State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, shared his optimism about the party’s chances. He recounted a recent meeting where stakeholders and chieftains came together to address grievances, reinforcing the idea that APC is now a unified force.

Conclusion

As the FCT prepares for its Area Councils’ election, political parties are navigating both internal and external challenges. While some have successfully resolved their issues, others are still working towards unity. With the support of INEC and the commitment of party leaders, the upcoming election promises to be a critical test of political cohesion and strategy.