ABUJA, 21 February 2026 โ The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has woken up to a transformed political landscape today as residents head to the polls for the Area Council elections. What was originally expected to be a standard test of local governance has shifted into a major constitutional and political crisis. The Abuja Election 2026 PDP withdrawalhas sent shockwaves through the territory, turning the spotlight on the seat of power just one year before the 2027 general elections.
The atmosphere in the city centre and the surrounding area councils is one of cautious tension. While the streets remain largely empty due to the stringent movement restrictions enforced by the Nigerian Police Force and the military, the digital space is buzzing with news of a significant internal collapse within the main opposition party. This development has not only confused the electorate but has also raised serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process under the newly implemented 2026 Electoral Act.
The Midnight Exodus: A Coordinated Strike
In a coordinated move late Friday night, Zadna Dantani of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Julius Adamu of Bwari declared they were stepping down to support their APC rivals. This announcement came as a total surprise to many supporters who had spent weeks campaigning for a change in local administration. The timing of the announcement, occurring less than twelve hours before the commencement of accreditation, suggests a high level of political maneuvering behind the scenes.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee has since fired back, labelling the move a “betrayal” and insisting that legally, these individuals remain the partyโs flagbearers. The party leadership at the national level has urged its supporters to ignore the announcements and proceed to vote for the PDP logo on the ballot. They have maintained that no individual has the authority to collapse the party’s structure on the eve of an election without formal, written consent and a documented process that adheres to the partyโs constitution.
The Shadow of the FCT Minister
The influence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is being cited by many analysts as the catalyst for this sudden shift. Both withdrawing candidates reportedly referenced “wide consultations” and a need for “alignment with the centre” as reasons for their exit. This has led to accusations from civil society organisations that the FCT is being turned into a political laboratory for 2027. The Minister has consistently maintained that his priority is the development and security of the capital, yet his role in the current political realignment cannot be understated.
SPECIAL VOTERโS GUIDE: Navigating the Confusion
Because the Abuja Election 2026 PDP withdrawal occurred after the legal window for candidate substitution had closed, voters are now facing a “ghost candidate” scenario at the polling units. To assist the public, we have compiled this guide to help you understand your rights today.
Firstly, you must note that the PDP logo and the names of the candidates remain on the official ballot papers. Under Section 31 of the Electoral Act 2026, a candidate can only be withdrawn through a specific legal process that must be completed at least 90 days before the election. Since this deadline has long passed, the names remain valid.
Secondly, if you choose to vote for the PDP today, your vote will be counted as a valid vote for the party. However, the legal fallout will be immense. If a candidate who has “withdrawn” emerges as the winner, the party will likely claim the mandate, leading to a protracted battle in the election petition tribunals.
Technology and Security on Trial
This election also marks the first major deployment of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, popularly known as BVAS 2.0. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under significant pressure to ensure that the errors of the past are not repeated. The new system is designed to provide real-time arithmetic accuracy during the transmission of results to the IReV portal.
On the security front, over 4,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed alongside the police. The 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM restriction is being strictly enforced at major entry points such as the Kubwa Expressway and Airport Road. While these measures are intended to ensure a peaceful poll, critics argue that the heavy military presence may contribute to voter apathy in a territory that already struggles with low turnout numbers.
As the day progresses, the eyes of the nation remain on Abuja. The outcome of todayโs polls will serve as a definitive indicator of the political direction Nigeria is heading as the 2027 cycle begins to take shape.
๐ณ๏ธ OFFICIAL VOTERโS GUIDE: FCT Area Council Elections 2026
Amidst the confusion of the Abuja Election 2026 PDP withdrawal, INEC has released specific guidelines to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their franchise without hindrance.
1. Key Election Times
- Accreditation and Voting: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. (Note: Anyone in the queue by 2:30 PM will be allowed to vote).
- Movement Restrictions: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Only voters with PVCs and essential workers with valid accreditation are permitted on the roads.
2. The “No PVC, No Voting” Rule
You must present your physical Permanent Voterโs Card (PVC). INEC has confirmed that digital copies or temporary slips will not be accepted for the BVAS 2.0 accreditation process.
3. Understanding the BVAS 2.0 Process
This election features the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS 2.0).
- The Process: The device will scan your fingerprints or your face.
- Failure to Accredit: If the device fails both biometrics, the Polling Officer will use a specific “manual override” protocol as defined in the Electoral Act 2026, which involves a physical verification form and a photo of the voter.
4. Handling the PDP Withdrawal on the Ballot
- Ballot Layout: The names of Zadna Dantani (AMAC) and Julius Adamu (Bwari) are still on the ballot.
- Your Choice: A thumbprint in the box next to the PDP logo counts as a vote for the party. Legally, the party owns the mandate, not the individual. If you wish to support the PDP despite the candidate’s personal withdrawal, your vote remains legally valid and will be counted.
5. How to Report Malpractice
If you witness vote-buying, intimidation, or the bypassing of the BVAS machine, use the following official channels:
- INEC IReV Portal: Monitor result uploads at www.inecelectionresults.ng.
- Situation Room App: Use the “Situation Room” mobile app to upload photos or text reports of irregularities.
- Emergency Lines: FCT Police Command emergency numbers are 08032003913 and 08061581938.
