The Peoples Democratic Party has inaugurated a special legal team to challenge the results of Saturday’s election held across the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

As declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, candidates of the All Progressives Congress won five of the six chairmanship seats in the council elections.

The APC won the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje, while the PDP secured the chairmanship seat in Gwagwalada.

The exercise, conducted to fill six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats, was marred by widespread voter apathy and reported vote-buying.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Sunday, the party congratulated its winning candidates but alleged irregularities.

The party said its legal team would be headed by its National Legal Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, Esq., and urged aggrieved candidates to act promptly.

“We specifically congratulate the chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the councillors who have been declared successful by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“This victory, though less in number than we anticipated, is particularly gladdening because it is against the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered money politics and brazen executive brigandage,” the statement read.

Ememobong further alleged misconduct during the polls.

“Reports and video evidence abound where armed security personnel were used to cart away result sheets at polling units, intimidate voters and unduly influence the outcome of the elections.”

The statement added, “The incredible voter apathy in these polls is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, where the people have completely lost faith in electoral outcomes conducted under this Act.

“These local council polls may just be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming general elections in 2027 if changes are not urgently made.”

According to results declared by INEC officials, Christopher Maikalangu of the APC was returned elected in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, after polling 40,295 votes out of 62,861 valid votes cast.

The Returning Officer for AMAC, Andrew Abue, declared, “That Maikalangu of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

The African Democratic Congress came second with 12,109 votes, while the PDP secured 3,398 votes.

The total votes cast stood at 65,197, with 2,336 rejected votes. AMAC recorded 837,338 registered voters and 65,676 accredited voters.

In the Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku of the APC emerged victorious with 18,466 votes.

Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Mohammed Nurudeen, said, “That Joshua Ishaku, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

The ADC polled 4,254 votes to place second, while the Zenith Labour Party garnered 3,515 votes to finish third. The election was conducted across the 10 wards of the council.

In Abaji Area Council, Umar Abubakar of the APC secured 15,535 votes to defeat his closest challenger from the Young Progressives Party, who polled 5,357 votes.

The PDP candidate came third with 4,547 votes. Declaring the result, INEC Returning Officer Muhammad Usman said, “Umar Abdullahi Abubakar of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

Similarly, in Kwali Area Council, the APC candidate, Nuhu Daniel, polled 17,032 votes to defeat Haruna Pai of the PDP, who secured 8,575 votes.

Also, the APC won the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election, with its candidate, Danjuma Shekwolo, emerging victorious. Shekwolo polled 17,269 votes, according to the official results.

Declaring the outcome, Returning Officer, Prof Nkiruka Odoh of the University of Abuja, said, “Shekwolo, having secured the highest number of votes and met all legal requirements, is duly elected and returned as Chairman of Kuje Area Council.”

Closely trailing the APC candidate, the PDP candidate, Zakwoyi Danlami, polled 15,824 votes, while the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Abdullahi Galadima, scored 4,305 votes.

The PDP’s lone victory came in Gwagwalada Area Council, where Mohammed Kasim polled 22,165 votes to defeat Yahaya Shehu of the APC, who secured 17,788 votes.

Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said, “That Mohammed Kasim of the PDP, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance came third with 1,687 votes. Gwagwalada recorded 207,577 registered voters and 46,294 accredited voters, with 43,960 valid votes and 1,521 rejected votes.

INEC denies voter migration claims

INEC, on Sunday, announced that over 239,000 voters participated in the just-concluded FCT Area Council elections, representing about 15 per cent of the 1,680,315 registered voters.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Wilfred Ifogah, on Sunday in Abuja, the commission expressed appreciation to residents of the FCT for their peaceful conduct and cooperation throughout the electoral process.

According to INEC’s Election Operations Dashboard, 45 per cent of polling units had opened for voting as of 8:30 am on election day, while all polling units were confirmed open by 10:00 am.

The commission, however, acknowledged that some voters experienced difficulties locating their designated polling units.

Addressing claims in some quarters that voters were migrated to new polling units, INEC denied the allegation, clarifying that no voter was transferred from their original units.

“Contrary to the claim in some quarters that some voters were migrated to another/new polling units different from their original polling units, the commission wishes to state categorically that voters were not migrated,” the statement read.

It explained that what was done was the creation of split polling units in locations with over 1,250 registered voters to reduce congestion on election day.

“The split units are located a few meters away from the original polling units within the same premises,” INEC stated.

The commission recalled that it displayed the voter register at designated centres and split polling units four days before the elections to enable voters confirm their details and polling unit locations.

It added that text messages and emails were sent to affected voters from Wednesday, February 18, through Saturday, February 21, 2026, to notify them of the exact locations of their split polling units.

“These were intended solely as reminders to assist them in identifying their current polling units,” the commission said.

INEC further disclosed that as of 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, 93 per cent of polling unit results had been uploaded to its Result Viewing Portal, allowing residents and other interested members of the public to access results from the six Area Councils.

While expressing concern over voter apathy, the commission noted an improvement compared to the 2022 Area Council elections, where 148,685 voters, representing 9.4 per cent of registered voters, participated.

“In the current election, over 239,210 voters voted, representing approximately 15 per cent of the 1,680,315 total registered voters in the FCT,” the statement added.

INEC attributed the delay in announcing the Kuje Area Council result to the difficult terrain in Kabi Ward, which slowed the final collation process.

The commission said the level of participation recorded across the six Area Councils reflects citizens’ continued trust in the democratic process and the electoral system.

EFCC arrests 20, recovers N17m

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 20 suspects for alleged electoral offences during the just-concluded FCT poll.

The arrests were carried out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across several area councils of the FCT.

According to a statement by the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended for offences including vote buying, vote selling and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

He said one of the suspects was arrested with N13.5m found inside a vehicle parked beside a polling booth in Kwali, adding that two suspects were arrested in Abaji, nine in Gwagwalada, four in Kuje and four others in Kwali.

The statement read, “Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, arrested 20 suspects for sundry electoral offences in the just- concluded Federal Capital Territory, FCT, local government elections.

“The suspects were arrested across the FCT, for offences ranging from vote buying, vote selling, to obstruction of officers, to the tune of N17,218,700.

“One of the suspects was arrested with a sum of N13,500,000 in a car parked beside a polling booth in the Kwali local government area. Two of the suspects were arrested in Abaji; nine in Gwagwalada; four in Kuje, and the remaining four in Kwali.

“The suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement read.

Tinubu, APC chair hail result

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the winners of the FCT elections, as well as those who emerged victorious in by-elections held in Kano and Rivers states.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged the winners to serve with humility and dedication, describing the mandate given to them as “a sacred trust.”

He specifically commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his achievements in the territory, which he said yielded political dividends for the governing APC.

The statement added, “President Tinubu lauds the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections.

“He further commends the courage and discipline displayed by all the contestants, stating that democracy is enriched by the vibrancy of participation and competition.

“President Tinubu affirms that the successful conduct of the elections further strengthens democratic culture and institutions and calls on INEC to continue improving its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes.”

In the same vein, the National Chairman of the APC, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, described the outcome of the FCT Area Council elections as a clear endorsement of President Tinubu’s reform policies.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda said the strong support recorded by the party, especially in the nation’s capital, demonstrated Nigerians’ confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also congratulated the PDP chairmanship candidate in Gwagwalada as evidence that the will of the people was respected.

He said, “The outcome of the weekend elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Rivers states is a resounding endorsement of the ongoing reforms and governance direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The overwhelming support recorded by the party, particularly in the nation’s capital, reflects the confidence of Nigerians in the Renewed Hope Agenda and their belief that the current reforms will ultimately lead the country to its desired destination.

“I heartily congratulate our teeming supporters of the All Progressives Congress in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Rivers states on the successful, peaceful and credible conduct of the Saturday, February 21, 2026 polls. The victories recorded by our great party are a clear testament to the resilience, unity and grassroots strength of the APC.”

According to the chairman, the results of the FCT Area Council elections hold particular national importance.

He added, “The Abuja election, in particular, is a powerful statement by Nigerians from all walks of life that they stand firmly with President Tinubu and his bold reform agenda.

“As residents of the nation’s capital, their verdict sends a strong message of widespread support, renewed hope and confidence in the ability of this administration to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and prosperity.”

The APC chairman further congratulated the party’s four state House of Assembly candidates who secured victory in Kano and Rivers states, describing their success as a reflection of effective party organisation and public trust in APC leadership.

He commended party leaders, stakeholders and supporters across the three states for their discipline, dedication and commitment to peaceful participation in the democratic process, while also acknowledging the professionalism of security agencies and election officials.

“As we celebrate these victories, we must remain united, focused and committed to delivering good governance at all levels. The message from the people is clear: they want results, accountability and continued reforms in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. The APC will not disappoint,” he added.

FCT polls real opposition party – Wike

Wike, on Sunday, praised President Tinubu for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s area council elections in the FCT, saying the outcome clarified the country’s political landscape.

In a special broadcast aired on national television and radio stations, the FCT minister described the exercise as a reflection of residents’ commitment to democracy and good governance.

His broadcast was contained in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance.

“I thank the residents for believing in the renewed and credible democratic process being championed by the government of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Wike added that the results of the polls demonstrated that “Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”

He congratulated APC and PDP for their victories, commending all candidates who participated in the election.

“To all the candidates who participated in the election, I commend your belief in our democracy.

“Your participation is a proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when it is the majority that will always have its way,” he stated.

The minister also took a swipe at critics of the government, saying the election “further exposed the hypocrisy of people who go about buying corn and groundnut from roadside sellers for the purpose of campaign just to deceive Nigerians.”

He said, “Yesterday, the residents of FCT demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats, who have chosen not to see anything good in our country and its government.”

He attributed the peaceful exercise and the outcome of the polls to the leadership of President Tinubu and the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the winners to serve with humility and dedication.

“To the winners of the elections, I congratulate you on your victory. You have been given a mandate to serve the people, and I urge you to do so with humility, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Work tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents, and bring development to our communities,” Wike said.

The minister also thanked FCT residents, particularly those in satellite towns, for turning out in large numbers.

“As an administration, we pledge to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he added.

Atiku warns of shrinking democratic space

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned of a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, citing the low voter turnout in the FCT election as evidence of declining public confidence in the country’s democratic process.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his media office, the African Democratic Congress chieftain said the low voter turnout in the nation’s capital was not accidental.

He blamed it on a political environment marked by intolerance, intimidation and the weakening of opposition voices.

Atiku urged opposition parties and democratic forces across the country to unite and form a common front.

The statement read: “Former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has raised a grave alarm over the disgracefully low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s FCT Area Council elections.

“Reacting to the exercise, the former Vice President described the turnout, which averaged below 20 per cent, with the Abuja Municipal Area Council recording a shocking 7.8 per cent, as a damning verdict on the health of Nigeria’s democracy under the current administration.

“According to Atiku, such abysmal civic participation in the nation’s capital, the symbolic heartbeat of the federation, is not accidental.

“It is the predictable outcome of a political environment poisoned by intolerance, intimidation, and the systematic weakening of opposition voices.”

The former Vice President alleged that the APC-led government deliberately narrowed the democratic space by targeting dissenters, pressuring defectors and treating opposing views as threats.

“This is no longer about party lines; it is about preserving the Republic. The time to stand together to rescue and rebuild Nigeria is now,” he said.

Poll shows PDP resurgence – Olawepo-Hashim

A presidential aspirant of the PDP, Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has said the outcome of the FCT Area Council elections signals a political resurgence for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Olawepo-Hashim, in a statement on Sunday, congratulated party members and supporters for what he described as an outstanding performance despite internal challenges and political pressure.

“The PDP is a resurgent party. In spite of leadership disputes at the national level and deliberate efforts to weaken our structure in the FCT, the people stood firmly by the party,” he said.

The party chieftain added, “The PDP is not declining. The PDP is rebuilding. And this is only the beginning.”

Beyond the chairmanship contest, the party also clinched several councillorship seats across the FCT, a development Olawepo-Hashim described as proof of sustained grassroots loyalty and organisational resilience.

He commended ward leaders, polling unit agents and party supporters for what he termed their “unshakable loyalty to the party logo.”