Ahead of Saturday, February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship seat, Mallam Usman Yahaya has formally withdrawn from the race, declaring his support for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kasim Mohammed Ikwa.
Interestingly, this latest development is coming less than 24 hours after the PDP chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Zadna Dantani, as well as his Bwari Area Council counterpart, Julius Adamu, officially stepped down from the contest to endorse the APC candidates.
In a letter dated 20th February, 2026 and titled: “OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE 2026 GWAGWALADA CHAIRMANSHIP ELECTION”, the APC flag-bearer said: “After deep personal reflection and extensive consultations with key stakeholders and the “powers that be” in the FCT and within Gwagwalada Area Council, most notably Hon. Abubakar Jibril Giri, Alh Abdulmalik Usman and Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi; I, Mallam Usman Yahaya, the APC Chairmanship Candidate for the Saturday, 21st February election, hereby officially announce my withdrawal from the race.
“This decision stems from a sober realization of the current political climate across the ten electoral wards of our Council. It has become evident that the collective will and choice of the people are moving in a direction that favours a different vision for our future.”
The letter, which was addressed to “All Party Members, Supporters, and the General Public” further said: “In the spirit of the 21st century, leadership must transcend narrow partisanship and prioritize the larger, holistic interest of the society we seek to serve.
“Recognizing that my candidacy has faced significant challenges in gaining the necessary traction with the electorate, and in a sincere bid to avoid further political friction, I voluntarily withdraw from the contest.
“Furthermore, I wish to state without fear of contradiction that Alh. Kasim Mohammed Ikwa (Wakilin Zuba) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the most generally acceptable, competent, and prepared candidate for the Gwagwalada Chairmanship seat.
“Consequently, I appeal to all my loyal supporters, followers, and the good people of Gwagwalada to shift their support to him.
“This position is taken in good faith and is rooted in my desire for the peace, progress, and stability of our Council. I urge all well-meaning Nigerians residing in Gwagwalada to come out en masse tomorrow, Saturday, 21st February, to cast their votes for Alhaji Kasim Mohammed Ikwa under the platform of the PDP
“Let us put Gwagwalada first.”
Signed:
Mallam Usman Yahaya
APC Chairmanship Candidate (Withdrawn)
Gwagwalada Area Council.
Meanwhile, the authorities have announced movement restrictions across the FCT from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day, with the security agencies assuring residents that extensive deployments have been made to maintain law and order.
Going by the election guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), campaign activities officially ended at midnight on 19 February, two days before voters head to the polls.
