The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has secured victory in its first polling unit in the ongoing Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The result came from polling unit 076 at Sani Abacha Estate in Wuse Zone 4, under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). The ADC candidate for AMAC chairman, Dr. Moses Paul, voted at the same unit.
Out of 10 votes cast at the polling unit, ADC received seven votes, while APC got two. One ballot was rejected.
The election recorded low turnout in many areas across the council. Earlier in the day, Paul complained about alleged intimidation of his party agents. He also blamed the restriction of movement announced by the FCT authorities for the poor turnout.
According to him, the number of voters who came out was far below what was expected. He linked this to confusion caused by the movement restriction order, which he said discouraged many residents from participating.
Paul, who said he has lived in AMAC for about four decades, stated that he had never seen such a situation during elections in the area. He described the atmosphere as unusual and tense.
While he acknowledged that officials at his polling unit conducted themselves properly and followed laid down procedures, he said reports from other areas painted a different picture. He claimed that ADC agents in Takum Shara and some parts of Kabusa ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, were threatened.
He further alleged that some of the agents were warned of possible harm, adding that such actions were meant to scare voters and affect the outcome of the election in favour of the ruling party.
Paul also alleged that vote buying was taking place in parts of the capital city, describing it as a criminal act.
Despite the complaints, he expressed confidence that he would win the election. He called on residents to stand firm and demand leaders who would be accountable to the people.
