The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has assembled a special legal team to challenge the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following the announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC declared that candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six chairmanship positions in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje. The PDP secured victory only in Gwagwalada.
In a statement, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, congratulated the party’s successful candidates but alleged widespread irregularities and voter intimidation during the polls. He revealed that the legal challenge would be led by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u.
The party specifically congratulated Mohammed Kasim, chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, along with the councillors declared winners by INEC. It described the victory as significant despite being fewer than expected, citing what it called intimidation, excessive money politics, and executive interference.
Ememobong further alleged that security agencies were deployed to influence the election results, claiming there were reports and video evidence of armed personnel removing result sheets from polling units, intimidating voters, and interfering with the process.
He also attributed the low voter turnout to public dissatisfaction with the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that many Nigerians have lost confidence in elections conducted under the current legal framework. According to him, the local council polls could signal challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not introduced.
According to INEC, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC won the AMAC chairmanship seat with 40,295 votes. Similar victories were recorded for APC candidates in Bwari, Abaji, Kwali, and Kuje. The PDP’s lone win came in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim polled 22,165 votes.
INEC disclosed that over 239,000 voters participated in the election, representing about 15 percent of the 1,680,315 registered voters in the FCT. The commission dismissed claims of voter migration, stating that no voters were moved from their original polling units. It explained that the creation of split polling units was meant to ease congestion and that affected voters were duly notified. INEC also reported that 93 percent of polling unit results had been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal by Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of 20 suspects for alleged electoral offences, including vote buying and obstruction. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said one suspect was apprehended with ₦13.5 million in a vehicle near a polling unit in Kwali, bringing the total amount involved to ₦17,218,700. The suspects are expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated the winners, describing their mandate as a “sacred trust.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised INEC and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful election and urged the winners to govern with humility and dedication.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described the results as a strong endorsement of the administration’s reforms and governance direction, particularly highlighting support for President Tinubu’s agenda in Abuja.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also commended the peaceful conduct of the polls, stating that it reflected the commitment of FCT residents to democracy and good governance. He urged the elected officials to serve diligently and responsibly.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking democratic space. He said the low voter turnout—averaging below 20 percent—was a troubling indicator of the state of Nigeria’s democracy. Atiku attributed the situation to political intolerance and the weakening of opposition voices, calling on opposition parties to unite in defense of the country’s democratic values.
PDP chieftain Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim maintained that the election outcome signals a rebuilding phase for the party, asserting that the PDP is regaining strength and momentum.