The Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, on Friday expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress is on course for victory in its Area Council election.
Speaking at the flag-off of the APC e-registration exercise at Apo Community Town Hall, Mahmoud said the party’s unity and cohesion were clear indicators of its electoral strength.
In a statement issued by her media aide, Austine Elemue, the minister declared, “The cohesion in our party shows that we are coasting to victory in next month’s Area Council elections.”
She described the e-registration initiative as a milestone in the party’s commitment to inclusiveness, innovation, and democratic consolidation
This exercise is not just about increasing numbers. It is about strengthening our party structures, updating our membership database, and ensuring that every member has a voice in shaping the party’s and the nation’s future,” Mahmoud said.
The minister commended the APC leadership for embracing technology to enhance transparency and make participation more accessible, particularly for young people.
“The party is founded on progressive ideals, emphasising broad-based participation, internal democracy, and responsive governance,” she added.
Highlighting the FCT’s role as the seat of government and a cultural melting pot, Mahmoud urged all eligible voters—including men, women, youths, and persons living with disabilities—to register or update their records.
“Your involvement will strengthen the party and deepen democracy,” she said.
Mahmoud also reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing the importance of unity, dynamism, and a people-oriented approach.
“A strong party relies on grassroots involvement, and this e-registration marks a key step forward,” she noted.
FCT APC Chairman Abdulmalik Usman said the exercise was in line with President Tinubu’s directive to update membership across the federation.
“We thank our members for their large turnout. While APC leads, others follow,” Usman stated.
The FCT Area Council elections are slated for February 21, 2026. Political campaigns, which began on September 24, 2025, are expected to end at midnight on February 19, 2026.
INEC has also released the list of candidates for the election, comprising aspirants from 17 political parties that successfully uploaded their nomination forms.
The publication of the final list followed the earlier display of candidates’ personal details on August 18, 2025, in line with electoral guidelines after party primaries.
In total, candidates will contest for 68 positions, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils of the FCT—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
