PDP Chairmanship Aspirant, Councillor, 203 Members Defect to APC

In a major political shake-up ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship aspirant in Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Rabiu Saba, alongside the incumbent councillor representing Kutunku Ward, Murtala Hassan, and 203 other members of the party, have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection, which took place at a well-attended reception organized by the APC in Gwagwalada, signals a significant boost for the ruling party in one of the FCT’s most politically active councils. Speaking at the event, Alhaji Rabiu Saba said the decision to leave PDP was borne out of the party’s internal challenges and a desire to align with a party capable of delivering tangible development to the council. The achievements of the outgoing APC administration under the leadership of Abubakar Jibrin Giri have been remarkable,” Saba stated. “We believe that by joining APC, we can contribute more effectively to the development of Gwagwalada and work to ensure that the people’s expectations are met. Murtala Hassan, the incumbent councillor for Kutunku Ward, emphasized that his defection was motivated by a commitment to serving the community and ensuring continuity in local governance initiatives. “Joining APC provides a platform to implement projects that will benefit our constituents directly,” Hassan said. Welcoming the defectors, APC Gwagwalada council chairmanship candidate, Usman Yahaya, described their decision as a “welcome development that strengthens our party’s position ahead of the February 21, 2026 council elections.” He assured the new members that they would be fully integrated into the party structure and treated equally alongside long-standing APC members. “We are committed to unity and inclusiveness within the party. The new members bring experience and support that will help us consolidate our grassroots strength,” Yahaya added. Political analysts have described the move as a reflection of the PDP’s ongoing internal struggles and APC’s growing dominance in the FCT. “The defection of a chairmanship aspirant and a sitting councillor, along with more than 200 party members, indicates cracks within the opposition and highlights APC’s increasing appeal at the grassroots level,” said a political commentator based in Abuja. The development comes at a time when political realignments are intensifying across Nigeria, particularly in the FCT, as parties prepare for the 2026 council elections. Observers note that defections such as this could reshape local political dynamics, potentially giving APC a strategic advantage in Gwagwalada and other councils. Longtime party members of APC have welcomed the influx of new members, though some have expressed concerns about managing internal cohesion. Meanwhile, the PDP is facing renewed pressure to stabilize its structures and retain support in key wards, particularly in the lead-up to the elections. With the council elections drawing near, political activities in Gwagwalada are expected to increase, including intensified campaigns, strategic alliances, and grassroots mobilization. The defection of Saba, Hassan, and 203 others may prove pivotal in determining which party will control the council, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched electoral contest in the FCT.