The Peoples Democratic Party in the Federal Capital Territory has declared itself fully prepared for the February 21, 2026, area council elections, insisting that its candidates are duly qualified and recognised by the party’s national leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The declaration comes amid ongoing internal tensions within the opposition party, including disputes involving a faction linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other party stakeholders.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its FCT Publicity Secretary, Josephine Itoyah-Splendor, the party said all its candidates had been approved by the National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum and validated by INEC.
“Our candidates, men and women of proven integrity and commitment, have been duly approved and signed in by the Damagun-led National Working Committee,” the statement said, adding that their legitimacy had been “further sealed with the official stamp of the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The PDP said it was entering the polls united and confident of victory, dismissing reports questioning the eligibility of its candidates as misinformation.
“Let it be known far and wide: the PDP is solidly united. We are not merely participating in these elections; we are marching forward with the clear intention to win,” the party said.
Reacting to claims of internal divisions, the PDP said such narratives were being pushed by political opponents unsettled by its preparedness.
“In their desperation, they peddle fake reports and malicious propaganda, seeking to cast doubt on the eligibility of our candidates,” the statement said, describing such claims as “dead on arrival.”
The party maintained that all required documentation for its candidates had been properly processed and remained valid despite past internal disagreements at the national level.
“The validity of our candidates is unquestionable and remains untouched by any internal challenges the party may have faced,” it said, stressing that “there are no factions, no divisions, no distractions” within the FCT chapter ahead of the polls.
The PDP also urged residents of the FCT to mobilise for the elections and vote against what it described as non-performing parties.
“When the day comes, vote out the non-performing parties. Vote for the PDP, the only party that delivers on its promises,” the statement said.
The party concluded by expressing confidence of victory at the polls, declaring that “as we approach February 21st, the message resound[s] in every ward, every council, every community: the PDP is alive, the PDP is united, and the PDP is ready.”
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