INEC Officially Announces APC Candidate as Victor in 2026 Kuje Area Council Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally declared Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the highly anticipated 2026 Kuje area council chairmanship election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The announcement, made on Sunday, February 22, 2026, confirms Shekwolo's victory with a decisive margin of over 1,400 votes, solidifying the APC's dominance in the FCT council elections.
Detailed Election Results and Vote Count Analysis
According to the official results declared by INEC's returning officer, Professor Nkiruka Odoh, at the commission's office in Kuje, Samuel Shekwolo secured an impressive 17,269 votes. His closest competitor, Zakwoyi Danlami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 15,824 votes, resulting in a victory margin of 1,445 votes for the APC candidate. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate finished in a distant third place with 4,305 votes.
The election saw a total of 147,271 registered voters in Kuje, with 39,799 voters accredited to participate. The total valid votes cast amounted to 38,491, while 1,097 votes were rejected, bringing the total vote cast to 39,588. Shekwolo's victory was further reinforced by winning six out of the ten wards in the Kuje area council.
APC's Sweeping Success Across Federal Capital Territory Councils
The Kuje election results highlight the APC's significant performance in the 2026 FCT area council elections, held on Saturday, February 21. The ruling party emerged victorious in five of the six area councils, including Kuje, Kwali, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, and Bwari. The PDP managed to secure a win only in Gwagwalada area council, demonstrating the APC's strong political influence in the nation's capital.
The announcement ceremony was conducted in the presence of party agents, journalists, and election observers, ensuring transparency and adherence to electoral guidelines. Professor Joash Amupitan-led INEC oversaw the final declaration, which was widely covered by major Nigerian media outlets.
Presidential Recognition and Political Implications
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended congratulations to all winners of the 2026 FCT elections, urging them to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication. In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the electoral mandate as a sacred trust that requires responsible governance. The Nigerian leader also commended Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have contributed to the APC's political success.
The 2026 Kuje area council election represents a significant political development in Nigeria's capital region, reflecting voter preferences and party dynamics in local governance. The APC's strong showing suggests continued support for the ruling party's policies and leadership at both federal and local levels within the FCT.
