The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at a polling unit in the ongoing Area Council elections across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The contest, which was characterised by generally low voter turnout, resulted in a victory for the opposition at Polling Unit 076, Sani Abacha Estate, Wuse Zone 4. The polling unit is where the ADC chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Moses Paul, cast his vote.
Results from the polling unit showed that only 10 votes were recorded. The ADC polled seven votes to emerge victorious, while the APC secured two votes. One ballot was declared invalid.
Speaking after voting, Paul attributed the low turnout recorded in parts of AMAC to the restriction of movement announced by the Minister of the FCT ahead of the election. He described the directive as confusing and said it discouraged many eligible voters from participating in the exercise.
According to him, the turnout was far lower than expected, adding that in his nearly 40 years of residence in AMAC, he had never witnessed such a situation. He likened the development to an unwarranted “state of emergency,” arguing that it negatively affected voter confidence and participation.
While commending electoral officials at his polling unit for their professionalism and adherence to due process, Paul raised concerns over alleged intimidation of his party’s agents in other locations. He claimed that ADC agents in Takum Shara and parts of Kabusa Ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, were threatened and harassed.
He further alleged that some agents were warned they could be maimed or killed, describing the actions as attempts to suppress voters and influence the electoral process in favour of the ruling party. Paul also accused political actors of engaging in vote buying in parts of the capital, describing the practice as criminal.
Despite the challenges, the ADC candidate expressed confidence in the electoral process, insisting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail. He urged Nigerians to resist intimidation and continue to demand accountable and transparent leadership.
