PDP Denounces Stepping Down of FCT Chairmanship Candidates as Shameful and Anti-Democratic
The Peoples Democratic Party has issued a strong condemnation of the withdrawal of two of its chairmanship candidates for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory council elections, describing the action as both shameful and fundamentally undemocratic. The party leadership emphasized that this significant political development occurred without any official approval or consent from the party's national structure.
Unauthorized Withdrawals Spark Political Controversy
According to detailed reports from multiple sources, the PDP chairmanship candidates representing the Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari area councils have formally stepped down from their electoral races. These candidates have instead chosen to endorse and support contenders from the opposing All Progressives Congress party. This unexpected political maneuver has created substantial controversy within opposition circles and raised serious questions about electoral integrity.
The stepping down agreement was reportedly brokered and facilitated by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has been actively involved in the political dynamics surrounding the upcoming local council elections. The PDP has pointedly accused certain individuals who present themselves as party leaders of orchestrating this controversial move, suggesting their primary motivation involves maintaining control of the party structure for presidential interests.
Official Party Statement Condemns Anti-Democratic Actions
Comrade Ini Ememobong, serving as the National Publicity Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party, released an official statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, expressing the party's profound dismay regarding these candidate withdrawals. The statement articulated the party's position clearly and unequivocally, characterizing the actions as fundamentally anti-democratic in nature and completely contrary to established democratic principles.
"Democracy thrives and flourishes through healthy electoral contests and genuine political competition, not through forced or artificially induced consensus arrangements," Ememobong declared in the official communication. "What we are currently witnessing in the preparation phase for the FCT local council elections represents a dangerous departure from true democratic practice."
The PDP spokesperson further elaborated on the party's concerns, suggesting this pattern of behavior might foreshadow similar tactics that could be employed during future presidential elections. The statement specifically warned against potential efforts to compel, induce, or pressure multiple candidates to withdraw from electoral contests, thereby creating an artificially smooth path to political victory despite performance concerns.
Background Context and Electoral Environment
The Federal Capital Territory area council elections are formally scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with electoral authorities reporting approximately 1.68 million eligible voters registered to participate in the democratic process. This electoral event has generated significant political attention and controversy even before voting commences.
In related political developments, Minister Nyesom Wike previously faced direct warnings regarding alleged plans to manipulate or interfere with the FCT council election process. Paul Moses, a candidate representing the African Democratic Congress, appeared in a widely circulated viral video issuing explicit warnings to the minister ahead of the scheduled voting. This video content has stimulated considerable discussion and reaction among Nigerian citizens, with many expressing skepticism about the ADC candidate's potential electoral impact.
Additional context reveals that Wike has publicly endorsed candidates aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's political interests for the approaching FCT council elections. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has been formally barred from participating in the electoral process due to documented irregularities in their candidate nomination procedures, further complicating the political landscape.
The Peoples Democratic Party maintains its firm position that democratic processes must remain transparent, competitive, and free from external manipulation or coercion. The party leadership continues to advocate for electoral integrity and genuine political choice as fundamental pillars of Nigeria's democratic system, particularly as the nation approaches crucial local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
