Abuja Council Polls 2023: Low Turnout and Violence Reported

The Abuja Council Polls, conducted on February 21, 2023, served as a significant electoral exercise ahead of the 2027 elections. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won five chairmanship seats in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including AMAC, Kuje, Bwari, Abaji, and Kwali, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada.

The voter turnout was reported at 14.2%, with 289,210 ballots cast from 1.68 million registered voters. Despite a slight improvement from previous elections, concerns about voter apathy and logistical challenges were raised.

Incidents of violence were reported, including the killing of an agent from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and issues with missing ballot papers. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 20 suspects for vote buying, with reports of payments made to voters.

The electoral process faced criticism for delays and inefficiencies, prompting calls for accountability from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).