The chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Abuja Municipal Area Council, Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council election and declared support for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Christopher Maikalangu.
Dantani made the announcement on Thursday, less than a day after the PDP’s chairmanship flagbearer in Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, similarly stepped down and endorsed the APC candidate, Joshua Musa, ahead of Saturday’s polls.
Speaking to his supporters, Dantani said his decision followed discussions facilitated by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he acknowledged as a key political figure in the territory.
He stated that the move was aimed at promoting unity and strengthening support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the election as one that should foster cooperation among political actors.
The former PDP candidate also confirmed that he had officially communicated his withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission, submitting a formal letter ahead of the February 21 election date.
According to him, the decision followed extensive consultations with family members and political stakeholders, after which he resolved to step aside and mobilise his supporters across the 12 wards of the council in favour of the APC candidate.
The Abuja Municipal Area Council poll forms part of six chairmanship elections scheduled across the FCT, including contests in Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali, where residents will elect council chairmen and councillors.
The electoral umpire fixed February 21, 2026, for the exercise, with campaigns that commenced in September 2025 expected to conclude on February 19.
Altogether, 68 positions comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship offices are to be filled.
Observers say Wike’s prominent role in the negotiations underscores his continued political influence in the FCT since his appointment in 2023. Though still a member of the PDP, the former Rivers State governor has openly supported several initiatives associated with the ruling APC, a position that has drawn criticism from some party members who accuse him of undermining the opposition.
