The African Democratic Congress has claimed victory over the ruling party at a major polling unit in the Abuja Municipal Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
The result came from Polling Unit 076 at Sani Abacha Estate in Wuse Zone 4, an area considered politically significant in the council race. The polling unit is where the AMAC chairmanship candidate of the ADC, Dr. Moses Paul, voted.
Election figures from the unit showed a total of 10 ballots cast. The ADC secured seven votes. The All Progressives Congress recorded two votes. One ballot was declared invalid.
Observers at the polling unit reported low turnout throughout the voting period. Few residents were seen arriving to cast their ballots, with long stretches of inactivity at the centre.
Speaking after voting, Paul raised concerns about the overall conduct of the election in some parts of the council. He blamed the movement restriction announced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory for discouraging voters from participating.
He said the turnout was unusually low and described the atmosphere as confusing for residents who were unsure whether they were free to move around.
According to him, the situation felt like “a state of emergency” in an election that should have been peaceful and accessible.
Paul noted that officials at his polling unit carried out their duties professionally and followed proper procedures. However, he said reports from other areas were troubling.
He alleged that ADC agents in Takum Shara and sections of Kabusa ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, were threatened while on election duty. He claimed some agents were warned they could be harmed if they continued their work.
The candidate said such actions were meant to frighten voters and tilt the process in favour of the ruling party. He also accused political actors of engaging in vote buying in parts of the capital.
Nevertheless, the ADC candidate condemned the practice and described it as a criminal attempt to influence the outcome of the election. He urged security agencies to investigate and ensure that the will of the people is respected.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in his chances. He said the electorate would not surrender their rights to fear and intimidation and called on Nigerians to insist on transparent and accountable leadership.
