In a dramatic twist ahead of the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council, Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Dantani’s decision marks the second high profile withdrawal within the PDP in less than 24 hours, following the exit of the party’s Bwari Area Council chairmanship candidate, Julius Adamu, who also stepped down in favour of the APC candidate, Joshua Musa.
Addressing supporters in a video circulated by the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, Dantani said his decision was influenced by the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
He expressed appreciation to his supporters and stated that his withdrawal was not driven by personal interest but by what he described as broader political considerations. According to him, Wike, whom he referred to as a leader in the party and in the FCT, urged him to see the election as one rooted in unity.
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Dantani also linked his decision to support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as consistent with backing ongoing efforts at the federal level.
He confirmed that he had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission of his withdrawal ahead of Saturday’s poll. In his letter to INEC, dated February 18, 2026, Dantani stated that his decision followed consultations with family members and key stakeholders. He emphasized that the withdrawal was voluntary and made of his own free will.
Calling on supporters across the 12 wards of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dantani urged them to mobilize in support of Maikalangu, the APC candidate, in the forthcoming election.
The AMAC contest is one of six chairmanship races scheduled across the FCT. Voters in Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali Area Councils are expected to elect chairmen and councillors in what is shaping up to be a closely watched local government poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission fixed February 21, 2026, for the Area Council elections. Campaigns, which began in September 2025, are set to conclude on February 19. A total of 68 positions are being contested, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions.
Wike’s involvement in the political realignments underscores his continued influence in FCT politics since his appointment as minister in 2023. Although still a member of the PDP, the former Rivers State governor has openly supported certain APC aligned initiatives, a stance that has generated internal criticism within his party.
Supporters of the minister argue that recent defections and withdrawals reflect deeper challenges within the PDP, while critics maintain that such moves amount to anti party activity.
As the FCT heads to the polls, Dantani’s withdrawal is expected to reshape calculations in the Abuja Municipal Area Council race and could have wider implications for the political balance across the territory.
