AA Candidate Withdraws from FCT Election, Endorses APC Rival Ahead of Saturday Poll
In a significant political development, Godson Nemieboka, the chairmanship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), has officially withdrawn from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections. This move comes just 48 hours before the polls scheduled for Saturday, which are being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Nemieboka has declared his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Christopher Zakka, in a strategic realignment aimed at consolidating political forces.
Strategic Decision to Avoid Fragmentation
Nemieboka announced his withdrawal on Thursday after extensive consultations with his running mate, campaign team, party leaders, and other stakeholders within AMAC. In a personally signed statement, he emphasized that the decision was carefully considered and not made under duress. He described it as a strategic maneuver to prevent political fragmentation at a critical juncture in the election process. "This decision is neither impulsive nor pressured. It is strategic," Nemieboka stated, highlighting the need for unity to ensure stability, continuity, and accelerated development in the area council.
Support Shifted to APC Incumbent Candidate
Following his withdrawal, Nemieboka disclosed that his entire political structure and supporters would now rally behind the incumbent APC chairmanship candidate, Christopher Zakka. He affirmed, "Accordingly, we have resolved to align with the incumbent Chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Christopher Zakka, and to commit our structure, supporters, and political capital toward securing his victory at the polls on Saturday." This endorsement is expected to bolster Zakka's campaign in the closely watched AMAC race.
Call for Calm and Unity Among Supporters
Nemieboka urged members of his campaign organization and supporters across AMAC to remain peaceful and organized as the election approaches. He stressed that his withdrawal should be viewed as a repositioning rather than a retreat, stating, "This is not a retreat. It is a repositioning. Leadership is measured not only by the willingness to contest, but by the wisdom to consolidate when necessary." This message aims to maintain cohesion among his base during the transition.
FCT Polls Draw Closer Amid Shifting Alliances
This latest development adds to a series of last-minute political realignments ahead of the FCT area council elections. Parties and candidates are adjusting their strategies in the final stretch before voting begins on Saturday. INEC is set to conduct polls across the six area councils of the FCT, with observers closely monitoring how recent defections and withdrawals might influence outcomes, particularly in AMAC. The shifting alliances reflect the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics as election day nears.
Previous Withdrawal by PDP Candidate
Earlier this week, Legit.ng reported that Julius Adamu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in Bwari Area Council, also stepped down to support Joshua Ishaku Musa of the APC. In a video shared on social media platform X on Wednesday, February 18, Adamu was seen alongside FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, chanting "PDAPC" as he announced his decision. Reacting to this, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to backing candidates who support President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming council elections, indicating broader political alignments within the FCT.
