The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure its first polling unit victory in the ongoing Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The opposition coalition carried the day at Polling Unit 076, Sani Abacha Estate, Wuse, Zone 4, where Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), cast his vote.
Of the 10 ballots cast at the polling unit, ADC won seven, APC received two, while one vote was declared invalid.
Earlier, Paul had raised concerns over alleged intimidation of his party’s agents, blaming movement restrictions for the low voter turnout recorded in parts of the council.
He said: “The turnout was far lower than expected,” adding that it was caused by what he described as confusion resulting from the movement restriction directive.
Having lived in AMAC for about 40 years, Paul said he had never witnessed such a situation, describing the development as resembling “a state of emergency” over what he considered unwarranted.
While praising electoral officials at his polling unit for their professionalism and adherence to due process, Paul said reports reaching him indicated that ADC agents in Takum Shara and parts of Kabusa Ward, including Dogongada and Shereti, were allegedly threatened and intimidated.
He added that some agents were reportedly warned they could be maimed or killed, noting that such actions appeared aimed at suppressing voters and influencing the process in favour of the ruling party.
Paul also condemned vote buying as criminal, alleging that it was taking place in parts of the capital city.
“Despite the challenges, I remain confident of emerging victorious. The will of the people will prevail. Nigerians should resist intimidation and demand accountable leadership,” he said.
