The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly announce the outstanding results of the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election, voicing concern over the delay in completing the collation process.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the failure to declare results from two wards in Kuje Area Council was creating tension and suspicion.
“We are concerned that the results from two wards in Kuje Area Council are yet to be announced by INEC.
“This delay has raised apprehension because of the marginal lead that the Peoples Democratic Party has there, which we are aware is under the threat of being manipulated using security forces,” the statement read.
The opposition party called on the electoral commission to finalise the process without further hesitation.
“We call on the Chairman of INEC to immediately order the announcement of the results in Kuje Central and Kabi Wards, most of which have been posted on the IREV.
“Election results must remain a true reflection of the votes of the people; anything less invalidates the entire process. We should uphold the sanctity of the ballot,” Ememobong stated.
The PDP’s appeal comes despite earlier clarification from INEC on the reason for the delay.
The Supervising Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Kuje poll, Abubakar Dambo, had explained that the results from Central and Kabi wards were still being collated. He noted that outcomes from eight of the ten wards had already been declared and attributed the delay to a logistical mix-up involving collation personnel.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, had earlier congratulated party faithful following the February 21 elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers states.
Yilwatda described the outcome as evidence of the APC’s grassroots support and unity, listing Kuje among the councils won by the party, even though final results for the area council were yet to be officially declared.
Earlier reports indicated that the APC secured victories in Abaji, Kwali, Abuja Municipal Area Council, and Bwari, while the PDP emerged victorious in Gwagwalada Area Council.
President Bola Tinubu also congratulated winners of the polls, commending INEC, security agencies, and voters for ensuring a peaceful electoral exercise.
However, opposition parties have continued to question aspects of the election, citing low voter turnout and alleging irregularities.
Previously, the PDP inaugurated a special legal team to handle election petitions arising from the FCT Area Council polls, signalling its readiness to challenge the outcome through lawful means if necessary.
What You Should Know
The PDP has asked INEC to immediately declare the pending results from Kuje Central and Kabi wards, expressing fears of possible manipulation due to its narrow lead.
INEC attributed the delay to collation challenges, while the APC has already listed Kuje among councils it claims to have won.
The development adds to ongoing tensions following the FCT Area Council elections.
