PDP Candidates Withdraw From FCT Area Council Elections
Following a series of dramatic political manoeuvres, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidates for both the Bwari Area Council and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) have officially withdrawn from Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local elections, endorsing their All Progressives Congress (APC) opponents.
Less than 24 hours after Julius Adamu, the PDP candidate for the Bwari Area Council, stepped down in favour of the APC's Joshua Ishaku, Zadna Dantani, the PDP candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council, announced his similar decision on Thursday. He is now backing the APC candidate, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, just days before the polls.
Ministerial Intervention and Reasons for Withdrawal
Dantani attributed his decision to the intervention of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He confirmed that a formal letter of withdrawal had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Speaking on his withdrawal, Dantani stated: "My name is Hon. Zadna Dantani, the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Abuja Municipal Area Council for Saturday’s elections. I want to sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. We are taking this step not out of personal interest, but for the greater good." He further explained that he agreed to the withdrawal based on Minister Wike's intervention, who reminded them that this was a "brotherhood election," and expressed support for the work of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mixed Public Reactions to Withdrawals
The decisions have sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some expressing concern for true democracy. James Ambo, a resident of Bwari, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that such last-minute withdrawals might primarily benefit politicians rather than the electorate. "It could either be about money, position or for the interest of some high and mighty which, unfortunately, is at the detriment of the grassroots people who are hopeful that true democracy prevailed," Ambo remarked, lamenting the apparent disregard for supporters' feelings.
Elekwachi Stephen, another resident, echoed these sentiments, stating that politics should foster hope, not serve as a game of power and control for specific groups. "Apparently, this might have been planned from the beginning as had been rumoured, and it obviously shows we already have a winner for the election," he commented. Stephen also worried that the move could demoralise voters, fearing their ballots might not count.
Miss Abigail Dauda expressed her frustration with the entire process, now feeling indifferent about the outcome. She called on politicians to remove "selfish intentions" and genuinely lead with integrity for a better society.
Support for the Unity Move
Conversely, Caleb Abaji, another resident, praised Adamu's decision as a worthy one, showcasing "true followership of a disciple to his leader." He believes the move demonstrates both parties' willingness to make sacrifices for democracy and development in the FCT. "It is no longer about the parties but about individuals with true leadership qualities and vision and who can deliver to the people. So we must give our support to better days ahead," Abaji urged.
Madam Comfort Elias viewed the development as the "will of God," asserting that "only the divinely-chosen makes it to the end of the race." Elias encouraged all well-meaning residents to turn out on Saturday to vote for the area's progress and development.
Supreme Court Ruling
NAN reports that the Supreme Court had, on Monday, affirmed Joshua Ishaku as the lawful chairmanship candidate for the APC in the upcoming Bwari Area Council election. A five-man panel of the apex court, led by Justice Jamilu Tukur, resolved the dispute with a decisive four-to-one judgment. The ruling set aside a majority decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had previously upheld a Federal High Court judgment declaring Haruna Audi as the APC chairmanship candidate.
(SOURCE: NAN)