The political atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory has intensified following the outcome of the election, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) formally announced plans to challenge the results in court.
The party’s decision comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners in five of the six Area Council chairmanship contests.
INEC’s final tally showed that the APC secured victories in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje, while the PDP claimed only Gwagwalada.
The results have since generated mixed reactions across party lines, with the ruling party celebrating what it described as a decisive endorsement, and the opposition alleging widespread irregularities.
Announcing its next steps, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, revealed that the party had inaugurated a special legal team to prosecute what he termed a comprehensive PDP legal challenge.
According to him, the team will be led by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, and will carefully review evidence gathered from across polling units.
Ememobong congratulated the party’s victorious candidates in Gwagwalada but insisted that the broader outcome of the FCT election did not reflect the true will of the people.
He alleged incidents of intimidation, vote suppression and the influence of money politics during the exercise.
The PDP spokesperson claimed that reports and video recordings pointed to interference at some polling centres, including the alleged removal of result sheets and undue pressure on voters.
He also linked the low participation rate to public dissatisfaction with the Electoral Act 2026.
According to him, many residents may have stayed away from the polls because of waning confidence in the process.
The debate over voter turnout has since become a central theme in discussions surrounding the FCT election, especially as analysts compare the figures with previous council polls.
INEC, however, defended the integrity of the exercise. The commission disclosed that over 239,000 voters cast their ballots, representing about 15 per cent of the 1.68 million registered voters in the territory.
While the percentage has drawn criticism from opposition figures, INEC maintained that the process complied with existing laws and guidelines.
In AMAC, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC polled 40,295 votes to retain his seat. Returning officers across the councils declared APC candidates winners after confirming they met constitutional requirements.
In Gwagwalada, Mohammed Kasim of the PDP secured 22,165 votes to clinch the only opposition victory in the chairmanship race.
These INEC results have now become the subject of intense legal and political scrutiny.
Addressing concerns about alleged voter migration, INEC stated that no registered voter was moved to a new polling unit without notification.
The commission explained that split polling units were created strictly to reduce overcrowding and improve efficiency.
It further disclosed that 93 per cent of polling unit outcomes had been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal shortly after collation.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals for alleged electoral offences linked to the FCT election.
According to its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, suspects were apprehended for vote buying and related infractions.
The anti-graft agency said one arrest involved the recovery of N13.5 million from a vehicle parked near a polling unit in Kwali. In total, over N17 million was reportedly connected to the alleged offences.
At the national level, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the winners and described their mandate as a sacred responsibility.
Through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring that the polls were conducted peacefully.
He urged those elected to prioritise service delivery and grassroots development.
APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, characterised the outcome as an APC victory that reflected public approval of the administration’s reform agenda.
According to him, the results send a strong message about voter confidence in the ruling party’s policies.
Similarly, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, described the conduct of the FCT election as peaceful and orderly.
He urged the newly elected council chairmen to govern with humility, dedication and accountability, stressing that the electorate expects tangible improvements in infrastructure and local services.
In contrast, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed concern about what he termed a shrinking democratic environment.
He argued that turnout figures below 20 per cent signal a deeper crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He called on opposition groups to unite in defence of democratic values ahead of future national elections.
Adding to the PDP’s position, party chieftain Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim dismissed suggestions that the party’s performance indicated decline.
Instead, he described the outcome as part of a rebuilding phase and insisted that the PDP remains a formidable force.
As preparations begin for a courtroom contest, the FCT election has evolved beyond a routine council poll into a broader test of electoral credibility and political trust.
With legal proceedings looming and public debate ongoing, stakeholders across party lines agree on one point: the implications of this contest may shape political alignments and campaign strategies as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
About The Author
