The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, February 23, 2026, formally received the newly elected chairmen of the six Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils at a ceremony in Abuja, marking a significant post-election engagement following the party's dominant performance in the February 21 polls.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda led the reception, joined by the Chairman of the party's National Campaign Council and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside other senior leaders including members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The event was highlighted in a statement posted on the party's official X handle (@OfficialAPCNg), where it announced the welcome of the chairmen-elect by the APC leadership.
The ceremony underscored the APC's strong showing in the elections, with the party securing chairmanship positions in five out of six area councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the remaining seat in Gwagwalada. Key winners included Christopher Maikalangu (APC, AMAC), who polled 40,295 votes for re-election; Joshua Ishaku (APC, Bwari); Daniel Nuhu (APC, Kwali); Abubakar Abdullahi (APC, Abaji); and Samuel Shekwolo (APC, Kuje). In Gwagwalada, PDP's Mohammed Kasim secured victory with 22,165 votes against the APC candidate's 17,788.
In statements following the elections, Prof. Yilwatda described the results as a resounding endorsement of President Bola Tinubu's reforms and governance direction under the Renewed Hope agenda. He congratulated the victorious candidates, noting that their wins reflect the party's deep connection with FCT residents and the impact of ongoing development initiatives. The national chairman further framed the outcome as fulfilling earlier predictions of APC dominance in the capital territory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who chaired the APC's FCT Campaign Council during the polls, played a key role in the party's strategy. His involvement in monitoring the elections from the national situation room and subsequent reception highlights the strategic importance placed on consolidating power in the FCT, a symbolic and politically influential area.
The reception comes amid broader celebrations within the APC over victories not only in the FCT but also in related by-elections in Kano and Rivers states. Party leaders, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, have hailed the results as a precursor to stronger performance in future contests, emphasizing unity and effective campaigning.
The event also serves as a platform for the newly elected chairmen to align with national party directives as they prepare to assume office. Area Councils handle critical local services such as primary education, healthcare, waste management, and infrastructure in the FCT, making their leadership pivotal to grassroots governance.
Observers note that the APC's sweep in five councils reinforces the influence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose administration's infrastructure projects and urban renewal efforts have been credited with boosting the party's appeal among residents. The ceremony reinforces the party's commitment to integrating local leaders into its broader agenda.
With the congresses and convention approaching nationally, this reception signals the APC's focus on strengthening structures from the ward level upward. The presence of NWC members underscores institutional support for the new executives as they embark on their tenures.
The APC's official X post and media coverage from outlets including Daily Post, Leadership, Tribune Online, Politics Nigeria, New Telegraph, and others confirm the details of the meeting, with photos and statements circulating widely online.
As Nigeria's ruling party builds momentum post-elections, the reception highlights confidence in its FCT stronghold and sets the stage for continued dominance in the capital ahead of national polls.
