FCT Local Government Elections: Controversy Clouds APC Sweep Amid Alleged Manipulations

The recently concluded local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have sparked intense debate over the integrity of the polls, which many view as a litmus test for Professor Joash Amupitan, the new head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) won five of the six area councils, with Christopher Maikalangu securing re-election in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) with 40,295 votes, defeating African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate Dr. Moses Paul, who garnered 12,109 votes. APC candidates Umar Abdullahi Abubakar (Abaji), Nuhu Daniel (Kwali), and Danjuma Shekwolo (Kuje) also emerged victorious, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retained Gwagwalada.

Despite the victories, the elections were marred by allegations of vote manipulation, irregularities, and systemic flaws. Observers noted glaring discrepancies, including instances where the number of votes recorded for a party exceeded the total accredited voters at polling units. At one AMAC polling unit with 213 accredited voters, the APC’s tally was reported as 1,219—nearly six times the number of participants—raising concerns of deliberate result inflation.

Broadcast journalist Rufai Oseni described the anomaly as a “brazen assault on democracy,” questioning how such figures passed through the collation layers unchecked. Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jibrin Samuel Okutepa criticized what he described as “gangsterism masquerading as politics,” calling for fundamental electoral reforms.

Civil society groups, including the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) and Yiaga Africa, urged a forensic audit of results in AMAC and other councils, highlighting the risks of voter apathy when polls are perceived as manipulated.

Multiple incidents compounded concerns. At Garki Geological Garden, a unit with just one registered voter still had three presiding officers and security deployed. At Kabusa Primary School, a woman was arrested with over 20 Permanent Voter Cards. Technical failures in the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal delayed result uploads, fueling suspicions of selective interference.

Observers reported irregularities at several polling units. For instance, in Jabi Maje Primary School, votes for APC jumped from 8 to 86, while at Piwoyi Primary School II, APC’s five votes were reportedly recorded as 80. At Market Square Karshi, APC’s single legitimate vote allegedly became 179 in official returns. Such patterns were noted across Gwagwalada, Gwarinpa, Garki, and Karshi.

Vote buying and intimidation were also reported, reflecting issues seen in the 2023 elections. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi’s intervention reportedly improved turnout in some areas, but allegations of harassment, voter suppression, and mismanaged polling units persisted.

Dr. Moses Paul of the ADC rejected the AMAC results, describing the process as a “criminal subversion of the will of the people,” while the Obidient Movement condemned the poll as a “brazen assault” on democracy.

ActionAid Nigeria raised concerns over tampered result sheets and delayed uploads, urging greater accountability from INEC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned that declining public confidence threatens Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

While APC celebrated its sweep across the FCT, the elections have left a cloud of controversy, underscoring persistent structural challenges and the urgent need for reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.