Peter Obi Leads Solidarity Campaign in Abuja Ahead of Local Polls

In a significant political maneuver ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has taken to the streets of Abuja to galvanize support for local candidates. The visit, which blended political campaigning with humanitarian solidarity, saw the Labour Party leader joining forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to engage directly with residents and traders. The timing of the tour is critical, as political parties ramp up their activities for the February 21 council polls, which are expected to be a major litmus test for opposition strength in the nation’s capital.

Obi’s tour began with a sobering visit to the Kugbo furniture market, a vital economic hub in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) that was recently devastated by a massive fire. Walking through the charred remains of shops and workshops, the former governor offered more than just political promises; he offered a message of resilience. He spent time listening to the harrowing accounts of traders who lost millions of naira in inventory, assuring them that while the setbacks are deep, the spirit of the Nigerian entrepreneur is strong enough to recover with the right institutional support.

The visit to Kugbo also served as a platform for Obi to critique the nation’s current infrastructure. He expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of market fires in Nigeria, describing the situation as a painful reflection of the hardship many citizens already face. He pointedly called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s emergency response systems, arguing that a nation that prioritizes its people must invest in modern, well-coordinated fire and rescue services. For Obi, the tragedy at Kugbo was not just an accident but a call to action for better governance at the local level.

Shifting from solidarity to active campaigning, Obi moved into the local markets alongside Moses Paul, the ADC chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council. The collaboration between the two figures highlights an emerging trend of strategic alliances among opposition groups looking to challenge the status quo in the FCT. By walking through the stalls and engaging in “person-to-person” politics, the team aimed to break the disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots, emphasizing that local elections often have the most direct impact on daily life.

Throughout the tour, the message remained focused on active citizenship. Obi repeatedly urged residents not to remain indifferent to the upcoming council elections, framing participation as the only way to ensure that “preventable tragedies” are managed by effective institutions. He noted that the FCT, as the center of the nation, should lead by example in electing leaders who are accountable and responsive to the needs of the community. The presence of a high-profile figure like Obi in a local council race has undeniably raised the stakes for the February polls.

The campaign atmosphere was electric as traders and passersby flocked to catch a glimpse of the political heavyweights. For many in the market, the visit provided a rare opportunity to voice their frustrations directly to national figures. The discussions ranged from the lack of basic amenities in the market to the rising cost of doing business in a difficult economy. By positioning himself as a listener, Obi reinforced his “people-first” political brand, which continues to resonate with a significant portion of the electorate seeking a departure from traditional political rallies.

As the election date of February 21, 2026, approaches, the FCT is becoming a battleground for diverse political ideologies. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already set the stage for the 68 constituencies, and the involvement of figures like Peter Obi suggests that the battle for the six area councils will be more intense than in previous years. The ADC, bolstered by this high-level endorsement, is positioning itself as a credible alternative for voters who are disillusioned with the larger dominant parties.

The tour concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to community engagement. Obi’s social media updates following the visit emphasized that his goal is to see a Nigeria where institutions operate for the benefit of the common man. As the campaign train moves forward, the focus remains on whether this momentum can be translated into actual votes at the ballot box. For now, the “storming” of the FCT has certainly succeeded in shifting the national spotlight toward the importance of local government and the urgent need for structural reform in emergency management.