(DDM) – Fresh controversy has emerged ahead of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections following the reported withdrawal of two Peoples Democratic Party candidates from their respective races.
According to reports, the development has raised concerns among political observers about the strength of opposition participation in the polls.
The candidates reportedly involved are Julius Adamu, who was contesting for the Bwari Area Council, and Zadna Dantani, who was running for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) under the PDP platform.
Adamu was said to have withdrawn from the contest and pledged support for Joshua Ishaku Musa of the All Progressives Congress.
Shortly afterward, Dantani also allegedly stepped down from the AMAC race.
Both candidates were reported to have cited what they described as “fatherly advice” from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a factor influencing their decisions.
The reported withdrawals have drawn reactions from civil society and election observers.
Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, weighed in on the matter, questioning the seriousness of candidates who step down shortly before elections.
Itodo reportedly argued that individuals who genuinely believe in their chances of winning would not abandon their campaigns at the final stage of the electoral process.
He further suggested that such last-minute withdrawals may indicate that the candidates were not strong contenders from the outset.
On the legal implications, Itodo reportedly noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not reprint ballot papers to reflect the withdrawals, given the proximity to election day.
According to him, any votes cast for the withdrawn candidates would still be counted for the political party as printed on the ballot, but would not translate into a valid candidacy if the party effectively has no standing candidate in the race.
He warned that voters who cast ballots for such withdrawn candidates could effectively be wasting their votes because the votes may not count toward any valid candidate in the contest.
The situation has sparked debate about internal party discipline, political strategy, and the preparedness of opposition parties in the FCT elections.
Analysts note that the development may influence voter perception and turnout, especially among PDP supporters who may now be uncertain about the party’s standing in the affected area councils.
As the elections proceed, attention remains on how electoral authorities and political parties will address the implications of the withdrawals and whether further clarifications will be issued to voters.
