Overview of Election Outcomes in the Federal Capital Territory

Following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement of the Area Council election results in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has established a dedicated legal task force to dispute the declared outcomes. INEC confirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victories in five out of six chairmanship positions across Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kwali, and Kuje, while the PDP clinched the sole win in Gwagwalada.

PDP’s Response: Legal Challenge and Allegations of Electoral Malpractice

In an official statement, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, extended congratulations to the party’s successful candidates but raised serious concerns about widespread electoral misconduct and voter intimidation. The party’s legal challenge will be spearheaded by National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq.

“We commend Mohammed Kasim, the chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, alongside the victorious councillors declared by INEC,” the statement affirmed. Ememobong emphasized that despite the limited number of wins, the success was significant given the context of intense intimidation, aggressive financial influence, and overt executive interference.

The PDP spokesperson accused security forces of manipulating the election process, citing multiple reports and video evidence showing armed personnel confiscating result sheets at polling stations and intimidating voters to sway the election results unfairly.

Additionally, Ememobong attributed the notably low voter turnout—approximately 15% of registered voters—to public disillusionment with the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026. He warned that if reforms are not implemented, the upcoming 2027 general elections could face similar challenges, undermining democratic participation.

Detailed Election Results and Voter Participation

INEC declared Christopher Maikalangu of the APC the winner in AMAC with 40,295 votes. Returning Officer Andrew Abue confirmed Maikalangu’s compliance with legal requirements, officially announcing his victory. Similar declarations were made for APC candidates in Bwari, Abaji, Kwali, and Kuje.

The PDP’s sole chairmanship triumph was in Gwagwalada, where Mohammed Kasim garnered 22,165 votes. Returning Officer Philip Akpen affirmed Kasim’s win after verifying adherence to electoral laws.

INEC reported that over 239,000 voters participated in the elections, representing roughly 15% of the 1,680,315 registered voters in the FCT. Addressing rumors of voter reassignment, the commission clarified that no voters were relocated to different polling units. The creation of split polling units aimed to alleviate congestion, with affected voters duly notified. As of Sunday afternoon, 93% of polling unit results had been uploaded to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal.

Security and Legal Actions During the Elections

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of 20 individuals suspected of electoral offenses, including vote buying and obstructing officials. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed that one suspect was apprehended with ₦13.5 million in a vehicle near a polling station in Kwali, with a total of ₦17,218,700 involved in the alleged infractions. The suspects are set to face prosecution following the conclusion of investigations.

Reactions from Political Leaders and Officials

President Bola Tinubu congratulated the election winners, describing their mandate as a “sacred trust.” Through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised INEC and security agencies for ensuring a peaceful electoral process and urged the elected officials to govern with humility and commitment.

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, hailed the results as a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s reform agenda, stating, “The Abuja election sends a clear message that Nigerians from diverse backgrounds support the ongoing governance reforms.”

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike lauded the peaceful conduct of the elections, highlighting it as evidence of the FCT residents’ dedication to democracy and good governance. He remarked that the results clarified the distinction between the ruling party and the opposition, urging winners to serve with integrity and excellence.

Conversely, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the low voter turnout—below 20%—as a stark indictment of Nigeria’s democratic health under the current administration. He attributed the poor participation to a political climate marred by intolerance, intimidation, and suppression of opposition voices. Atiku called for unity among opposition parties, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic future.

PDP stalwart Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim interpreted the election results as a sign of the party’s revival, asserting, “The PDP is not in decline; it is rebuilding, and this is just the beginning.”