APC Leads FCT Council Polls Amid Low Voter Turnout

In the recent area council elections held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) took an early lead according to results uploaded by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The APC secured 2,726 votes in Kwali, ahead of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) with 2,104 votes and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with 180 votes.

In Kuje, the APC received 615 votes, while the PDP garnered 393 votes. However, in Gwagwalada, the PDP led with 2,019 votes compared to the APC's 1,779 votes.

The elections were characterized by low voter turnout, with some polling units reporting participation rates below five percent. Allegations of vote buying surfaced, particularly in AMAC, where confusion over newly created polling units was noted.

Yiaga Africa criticized the low turnout and administrative shortcomings, while the presence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was described as a potential intimidation factor for voters.