The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to challenge the outcome of the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing what it described as strong evidence of irregularities during the polls.
The elections were conducted across the six area councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured chairmanship positions in Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, and Kwali, while the PDP won only in Gwagwalada.
Despite the outcome, the PDP congratulated its successful candidates, particularly the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, describing the victory as significant.
In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the PDP disclosed that it had constituted a special legal team to handle all election-related petitions arising from the FCT polls. The team is headed by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u.
The opposition party alleged widespread intimidation, manipulation, and interference by security agencies and other actors during the election process.
“We specifically congratulate the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by INEC,” the statement read.
“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 PDP claimed it possesses video and documentary evidence showing alleged misconduct at polling units and during result collation. According to the party, some armed security personnel were reportedly used to remove result sheets, intimidate voters, and influence outcomes.
The party urged dissatisfied candidates to promptly approach its legal team, warning that delays could weaken their cases before the election tribunals.
It also attributed low voter turnout to what it described as growing public distrust in the current electoral framework, referencing the Electoral Act 2026.
“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 the electoral outcomes from elections conducted under this Act,” the statement added.
The PDP further warned that the FCT council elections could serve as a preview of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
It called on the President and the National Assembly to intervene and implement measures to safeguard the integrity of future elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
