The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated its successful candidates in the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, while raising alarm over alleged irregularities that marred the polls.
In a statement issued by its National Working Committee, the party said its victories, though fewer than expected, came despite what it described as “unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics and brazen executive brigandage.”
The PDP alleged that there were reports and video evidence of armed security personnel carting away result sheets, intimidating voters and influencing outcomes at polling units.
The party specifically congratulated the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, along with councillors declared winners by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
To challenge disputed results, the PDP announced the inauguration of a special legal team headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, to handle election petitions. Affected candidates were urged to promptly submit their complaints, with the party warning that delays could jeopardise their cases.
The opposition party also linked what it described as “incredible voter apathy” to the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026, claiming Nigerians have lost confidence in the credibility of elections conducted under the law.
It warned that the outcome of the council polls could foreshadow the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not undertaken, calling on the National Assembly and the presidency to act swiftly to safeguard the country’s democracy.
The statement was signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
