PDP Candidates Withdraw for APC in FCT Elections
Analysis based on 12 articles · First reported Feb 19, 2026 · Last updated Feb 19, 2026
The withdrawals of Nigeria===People s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in favor of Nigeria===All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections indicate a shift in local political dynamics. This could be seen as a positive for the ruling APC, potentially leading to increased political stability at the local level, which generally has a neutral to slightly positive impact on market sentiment.
Zadna Dantani, the Nigeria===People s Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for the Nigeria===Abuja (AMAC), withdrew from the upcoming February 21, 2026, election. Zadna Dantani announced his decision to step down in favor of the Nigeria===All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. This move follows a similar withdrawal by Julius Adamu, the PDP chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, who stepped down for the APC candidate, Joshua Ishaku Musa. Zadna Dantani attributed his decision to the intervention of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and expressed support for the 'good works' of President Bola Tinubu. Zadna Dantani has formally submitted a letter of withdrawal to the Nigeria===Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and urged his supporters to back Christopher Zakka Maikalangu. Nyesom Wike's role in these withdrawals highlights his continued influence in FCT politics and his alignment with the ruling APC, despite being a PDP member, drawing criticism from within his own party.
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