APC, ADC, PDP express confidence ahead of FCT polls

The All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have all declared their readiness and optimism ahead of the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, with each party expressing confidence of securing victory.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the election date, widely regarded as a political litmus test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As part of preparations, INEC on Saturday conducted a mock accreditation and voting exercise across the territory to assess its readiness for the polls.

Over the weekend, the APC unveiled its campaign council, comprising several governors and other party heavyweights, signalling the party’s full mobilisation.

APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, said the ruling party had already intensified grassroots campaigns, stressing that the party’s track record in the FCT since 2015 would boost its chances at the polls.

“Our party is fully prepared and has already hit the ground running. The campaign council has been constituted, and all organs of the party have been mobilised to reach the people and ensure victory,” Ibrahim said.

He added that residents had experienced significant development under the APC-led administration, particularly during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, citing improvements in infrastructure and governance as reasons voters would support the party.

“With these records and popular, competent candidates, victory is assured,” he stated.

The ADC also expressed confidence despite its earlier appeal to INEC to postpone the election due to the Ramadan period.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said INEC informed the party that the election date was constitutionally fixed and could not be shifted.

“The election will go ahead. We are prepared and understand its importance. We are very confident of victory and have no reason to doubt that INEC will conduct credible elections,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, the PDP’s National Working Committee, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), said both the party leadership and its candidates were fully mobilised.

PDP Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, noted that campaigns were already in full swing and expressed confidence that the party would retain its dominance in the FCT.

“The candidates are campaigning actively, and the party is serious about the election. We are encouraging them and are fully prepared. The FCT has traditionally been PDP territory, and we remain optimistic of victory,” he said.

The FCT Area Council elections are expected to draw significant attention as political parties test their strength ahead of the next general elections.