Concerns Rise Over Credibility of Nigeria's FCT Elections

The article by Gabriel Akinlade-Daniel addresses the recent FCT Abuja elections held on February 21, which serve as a litmus test for the newly signed Electoral Act 2026 by President Bola Tinubu. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 aim to facilitate free and fair elections in Nigeria.

Despite these efforts, there are palpable fears regarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, especially following criticisms from opposition parties and civil society organizations about discrepancies in the election results. The chairman of the electoral body, Professor Joash Amupitan, faced backlash for the low voter turnout and issues such as voters not finding their names at polling units.

The article concludes with a call for INEC to enhance public education and ensure credible elections to restore trust in the electoral process, especially with the upcoming general elections in 2027.