Following an APC sweep of five out of six chairmanship seats in the FCT Council polls, the PDP says it has assembled a legal team to contest the outcome.
While the APC took control of AMAC, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, the PDP managed a lone win in Gwagwalada.
Despite the victory in one council, PDP spokesperson Ini Ememobong cited significant irregularities, noting that the elections—which saw low voter turnout and reports of vote-buying—did not meet acceptable standards.
National Legal Adviser Shafi Bara’u, Esq. will lead the party’s petition, with the leadership calling on all affected candidates to expedite their legal filings.
“We specifically congratulate the chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.
Ememobong further alleged misconduct during the polls.
“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets at polling units, intimidate voters and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”
It stated:”The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in electoral outcomes conducted under this Act.
“These local council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made.”
Reacting to the polls, President Bola Tinubu hailed the successful conduct of the FCT elections and by-elections in Kano and Rivers, congratulating all newly elected officials.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President reminded victors that their positions represent a “sacred trust” requiring selfless service.
Notably, the President credited FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s performance for the governing party’s strong showing, stating that his work in the territory has yielded “political dividends” for the APC.
He concluded by praising INEC and security personnel for their roles in maintaining a peaceful voting environment.
“He further commends the courage and discipline displayed by all the contestants, stating that democracy is enriched by the vibrancy of participation and competition.
“President Tinubu affirms that the successful conduct of the elections further strengthens democratic culture and institutions and calls on INEC to continue improving its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes.”
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