The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has unequivocally declared its comprehensive readiness for the upcoming area council elections, slated for February 21, 2026. This assertion, delivered amidst a backdrop of swirling internal party disputes and persistent challenges to candidate eligibility, signals the opposition party’s determination to project an image of unity and electoral strength, aiming to dismiss any dissenting reports as mere misinformation designed to undermine its campaign.

The declaration was formally conveyed through a statement released on Sunday by Josephine Itoyah-Splendor, the FCT Publicity Secretary for the PDP, who affirmed the party’s robust preparedness for the local polls. This public display of confidence is particularly noteworthy given the considerable internal wrangling that has recently plagued the PDP within the FCT. These divisions are understood to involve a significant faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other influential party stakeholders, creating a complex web of political maneuvering ahead of a critical electoral contest that will shape local governance in the nation’s capital.

Central to the PDP’s stance is its firm insistence that all its candidates put forward for the area council elections are not only duly qualified but have also received official recognition and endorsement from both the party’s national leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The statement explicitly highlighted that these candidates, described as “men and women of proven integrity and commitment,” have been “duly approved and signed in by the Damagum-led National Working Committee.” This emphasis on adherence to due process and national party directives is a clear strategy to counter any narratives questioning the legitimacy or official approval of its chosen representatives, reinforcing their eligibility.

The opposition party further asserted its intention to approach the forthcoming polls as a united and cohesive entity, expressing profound confidence in securing victory across the various area councils. In a direct rebuttal, the PDP explicitly dismissed reports circulating in certain quarters about the alleged ineligibility of its candidates, branding such claims as deliberate misinformation. The party views these reports as calculated attempts to destabilize its electoral campaign, sow discord among its members, and ultimately deter its supporters, underscoring its resolve to maintain focus and project an unwavering image of cohesion and electoral readiness.

Area council elections in the FCT hold considerable significance within Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as crucial contests that determine the leadership of the six area councils and their respective wards. These local government tiers form the fundamental bedrock of grassroots governance in the nation’s capital, directly impacting the lives of residents through service delivery and policy implementation. The outcomes of these elections are often interpreted as a barometer of broader political sentiment, reflecting public opinion not only on local administrative performance but also on national issues, thereby offering insights into the evolving political dynamics of Nigeria.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is constitutionally mandated to play a pivotal and impartial role in supervising these elections. Its extensive responsibilities include ensuring strict adherence to electoral laws, meticulously vetting candidate qualifications, overseeing voter registration processes, conducting free, fair, and credible polls, and ultimately declaring the official results. Any disputes or challenges regarding candidate eligibility typically fall under INEC’s initial purview, with final legal adjudication often resting with specialized electoral tribunals. The PDP’s specific mention of INEC’s recognition serves to underscore its compliance with all regulatory requirements and electoral guidelines.

The involvement of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the PDP’s internal disputes introduces a particularly complex and potentially disruptive dynamic to the party’s preparations. Wike, a political heavyweight and former state governor, has a well-documented history of exerting substantial influence within the PDP. His current position as a minister in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government, while still being a prominent figure within the opposition PDP, creates an unusual and often controversial scenario. His alleged support for a particular faction within the FCT PDP could either galvanize support for his preferred candidates or, conversely, further fragment the party’s efforts, depending on how these intricate internal power struggles ultimately resolve.

These localized internal challenges within the FCT PDP are not isolated incidents but rather reflective of broader, systemic struggles confronting the Peoples Democratic Party as it strives to redefine its role as Nigeria’s leading opposition force. Following its defeat in the last general elections, the PDP has been grappling with a series of leadership tussles, high-profile defections of key members, and the imperative for strategic realignment to regain its national footing. The FCT elections thus present an early, crucial test of the party’s capacity to overcome these pervasive internal rifts and present a unified, formidable challenge to the ruling party and other contending political forces.

The forthcoming February 2026 FCT area council elections will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by political analysts and the wider public alike. A strong and unified performance by the PDP, despite its current internal complexities, could provide a much-needed psychological boost, signaling its enduring resilience and potential for resurgence. Conversely, a fragmented or poor electoral showing, particularly if exacerbated by unresolved factionalism, could deepen existing divisions, further complicate its national resurgence efforts, and diminish its standing. The party’s ability to demonstrate cohesion, effective campaign machinery, and electoral strength in the nation’s capital will therefore be absolutely critical for its future political trajectory and aspirations.

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Keywords: FCT area council elections, Peoples Democratic Party, February 2026 elections, Nyesom Wike faction, INEC candidate eligibility, Nigerian opposition party, Damagum-led NWC, FCT political landscape