By Oso Abidemi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has flagged off preparations for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections with a firm declaration – no automatic tickets.
In a newly released schedule signed by the National Organising Secretary, Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu, the party announced that nomination forms for chairmanship aspirants will cost N20 million, while councillorship hopefuls will pay N2.5 million. Sales begin May 22 and end May 28, with submission due by May 29.
Dispelling rumours of favours for recent defectors, including Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, who recently dumped the PDP for the APC, the FCT APC leadership made it clear that all aspirants must pass through the primaries.
“There is no automatic ticket for anybody,” said Saidu Yaro Karishi, AMAC APC Vice Chairman, speaking on behalf of the FCT APC Chairman, Alhaji Murthar Abubakar. “Everyone must seek the people’s votes.”
At the unveiling of the YDS Foundation in Karimo, Hon. Yunusa Dantani Sarki announced his bid for AMAC chairman, vowing to unite indigenes and settlers and end what he called administrative stagnation.
Reacting to Maikalangu’s defection, Sarki said he is not deterred. “Even a sitting president can be defeated. The people will decide,” he said.
