The Federal Capital Territory Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed Yenche, has vowed that the party will reclaim the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the 2026 elections, despite the recent defection of current council chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking to journalists at the PDP secretariat in Abuja, Yenche acknowledged Maikalangu’s switch as a setback but maintained that it would not derail the party’s momentum.
“His exit is not the end of PDP in AMAC. The structure is still solid and the people are with us,” Yenche said.
He emphasized that the PDP has successfully selected councillorship candidates for all 12 political wards through a consensus process and is currently finalizing a consensus candidate for the chairmanship seat.
Yenche dismissed fears that Maikalangu’s defection had weakened the party’s base, describing the former chairman as “only an entity” whose departure has not shaken the PDP’s foundation in AMAC.
With the area council elections slated for February 21, 2026, Yenche expressed full confidence in the party’s chances:
“We are fully ready. PDP will win in all 12 wards and take back the council.”
