PDP Rejects FCT Poll Outcome, Launches Legal Battle

A special legal team has been constituted by the Peoples Democratic Party to contest the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections conducted across the Federal Capital Territory.

Results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission indicated that candidates of the All Progressives Congress secured victory in five of the six chairmanship seats contested during the polls.

According to the declared figures, the APC won the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje, while the PDP emerged victorious in Gwagwalada Area Council.

The election, organised to fill six chairmanship positions and 62 councillorship seats, was characterised by widespread voter apathy as well as allegations of vote-buying in some areas.

Concerns over alleged irregularities have been raised following Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, with the opposition announcing plans to seek legal redress.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the Peoples Democratic Party congratulated its successful candidates while expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of the polls.

The party disclosed that its legal challenge would be coordinated by the National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, urging candidates with grievances to act without delay.

The statement specifically celebrated the victory of Mohammed Kasim in Gwagwalada Area Council, alongside councillorship candidates declared elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission. It noted that the win was achieved despite what it described as intimidation, the influence of money politics and executive interference.

Ememobong further alleged misconduct during the election, claiming there were reports and video evidence suggesting that armed security personnel removed result sheets from polling units, intimidated voters and attempted to influence outcomes.

The statement also linked the low voter turnout recorded during the polls to growing public distrust in the electoral process, warning that the situation could serve as an early signal ahead of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not undertaken.