Barely 24 hours after a similar development in Bwari Area Council, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Zadna Dantani, has withdrawn from the forthcoming FCT Area Council elections and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.
Dantani attributed his decision to the intervention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the leader of the party in the territory. He disclosed that he had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his withdrawal ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls.
Addressing supporters, Dantani said the decision followed extensive consultations with his family and political associates. He characterised the contest as a “brotherhood election” and urged his supporters across the 12 wards of AMAC to rally behind Maikalangu.
He also linked his action to broader political considerations, including support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his letter to INEC, Dantani stated that his withdrawal was voluntary and made after careful reflection. He emphasised that the decision was taken of his own free will.
The latest development signals a significant realignment in the political landscape of the FCT, coming on the heels of the withdrawal of the PDP chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council in favour of the APC candidate.
