PDP Challenges APC Sweep in FCT Polls

PDP Challenges APC Sweep in FCT Polls

The Peoples Democratic Party has moved to contest the results of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, after the All Progressives Congress secured five of the six chairmanship seats.

The PDP retained Gwagwalada, while APC won Abuja Municipal, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje.

PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, alleged electoral malpractice, including intimidation and vote-buying, and announced that the party’s legal team, led by National Legal Adviser Shafi Bara’u, would pursue redress in court.

The party highlighted voter apathy and claimed the elections reflected public frustration with the Electoral Act 2026.

Election details showed APC victories across the five councils with varying vote margins, while PDP’s Mohammed Kasim won Gwagwalada with 22,165 votes against APC’s 17,788.

INEC reported over 239,000 voters participated—about 15% of the registered electorate—and denied claims that voters were moved to new polling units.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also arrested 20 suspects for vote-buying and related offences, recovering over N17 million in cash.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended residents for participating, asserting the election clarified the ruling and opposition parties in the territory.

Opposition voices expressed concern over democratic participation.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned that low voter turnout signals a shrinking democratic space, while PDP presidential aspirant Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim described the results as a sign of the party’s resurgence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP’s legal challenge is expected to test the credibility of the FCT poll outcomes and could shape the discourse ahead of the next general elections.