The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six chairperson posts, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) taking the sixth.
According to the commission, Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) received 40,295 votes to win the chairmanship seat of Abuja Municipal Area Council, and Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressives Congress (APC) received 18,466 votes to win the chairmanship seat of Bwari Area Council.
The commission disclosed that Nuhu Daniel of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 17,032 votes to win the chairmanship of Kwali Area Council, while Danjuma Shekwolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 17,269 votes to win the chairmanship seat of the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election.
“Umar Abdullahi Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 15,536 votes to win the chairmanship seat of Abaji Area Council, and Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 22,165 votes to win the chairmanship seat of Gwagwalada Area Council”.
However, the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections in Abuja have been concluded, but the events that shaped the poll continue to be discussed, with many observers offering reviews that, if rigorously followed, can improve the commission’s performance.
Logistical Hiccups
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that there were reported cases of missing voter registers, delayed result uploads and late opening of many polling units at the 2026 FCT council elections.
Some polling units reportedly commenced the election around 10 a.m. due to the late arrival of voting materials, which resulted in voters’ frustration and long queues, while several units closed early, potentially disenfranchising those still in line.
Some polling units experienced missing voter registers and essential items like voting cubicles and ink pads in places such as Wuse and Abaji further slowed accreditation.
Some voters were redistributed to new polling units without timely notice creating confusion and overcrowding.
Security and vote buying concerns
There was a large security presence in most polling units which made the council polls to be peaceful, WITHIN NIGERIA gathered.
Many party agents participated in vote-buying. They employed sign language as a tactic in some polling units to communicate with interested voters.
The EFCC apprehended 20 suspects across Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali with over #17 million in cash to buy votes.
According to reports, the sum of #13.5 million was hauled from a car parked by a Kwali polling booth.
However, public analysts have expressed concern over the persistence of vote-buying despite promises of stiff resistance by the EFCC, INEC and other security agencies.
Low voters turnout
There was low voter turnout at the 2026 FCT council election. In each council polls, there was a wide gap between the number of registered voters and those who participated in the election.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that party loyalists and a handful of citizens decided the outcome of the poll.
In AMAC, Bwari, and other councils, low voter turnout was recorded which signaled eroding trust in the electoral system.
According to civil society groups, the apathy undermines legitimacy and could push INEC to tighten voter‑education and result‑posting procedures for future polls.
