The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has expressed deep disappointment and concern following the withdrawal or stepping down of several of its chairmanship candidates from the forthcoming Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement issued late Thursday, February 20, 2026, by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and endorsed by the FCT chapter, the party described the development as “a major setback” and accused some of the defecting candidates of “betrayal” after allegedly receiving support and resources from the party.
The NWC said it received “with utter dismay” the news that a number of chairmanship candidates across various Area Councils had either formally withdrawn or stepped down from the race while Some of the candidates are reported to have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or other smaller parties in recent days.
The party accused the defectors of “abandoning the people who trusted and invested in them” and warned that such actions “weaken the opposition and undermine the democratic choice of FCT residents.”
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PDP FCT Chairman Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo (who also serves as a member of the House of Representatives) described the withdrawals as “a painful but expected act of political opportunism by individuals who lack principle and loyalty.”
The statement did not name the specific candidates involved but confirmed that the party has already begun replacing them with new nominees where possible, in line with INEC guidelines.
The PDP urged its remaining candidates and supporters to remain focused and committed, promising a “robust legal and political response” to any perceived irregularities during the polls.
This is a developing story ahead of Saturday’s crucial Area Council elections.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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