FCT POLLS: APC LEADS IN NYANYA DESPITE LOW TURN OUT

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On Saturday, commuters were stuck in different areas of the Federal Capital Territory because security forces strictly followed the no-movement rule during the Area Council elections.

Early results from Nyanya in Abuja Municipal Area Council showed the All Progressives Congress leading, but not many people voted.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has placed limits on movement in the six Area Councils: Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

A statement signed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told police and military to make sure everyone follows the rules.

Major highways in several places were mostly empty, although there were still some areas where people were moving around.

In several areas, especially on the Kubwa–AYA and Mararaba–Nyanya highways, commuters were stuck, and many drivers had to turn back or take other routes because security forces were more active.

Even with the movement restrictions, voting continued in many areas.
In Mpape and Dutse Alhaji Ward of Bwari Area Council, some voters said the process was organized and ran smoothly, and they praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the support they provided.

In Nyanya Ward, AMAC, early results from Polling Unit 016 showed APC received 13 votes in the chairmanship race, more than PDP (1), SDP (2), ADC (5), and APGA (1).
For councillorship in the same unit, APC got 11 votes, PDP (1), SDP (0), ADC (4), and APGA (1). Out of 754 registered voters, only 22 were allowed to vote.

At Polling Unit 091 in the same ward, APC got 20 votes in the chairmanship contest, while PDP and ADC each got one vote, and BOOT and NNPP also each got one vote.
For councillorship, APC received 11 votes, PDP 12, and BOOT 1. The unit had 428 registered voters, with 24 allowed to vote.

Speaking with Vanguard at Polling Unit 077 in Mpape, Dutse Alhaji Ward of Bwari Area Council, Dr. Charles Nwodo, a rights activist and rector, urged citizens to actively safeguard their votes.

“The truth is, votes will count if we, the voters, decide they will count… We stay at our polling units after voting, ensure the votes are counted in our presence, and record the results,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of officials.

“The process is beautiful,” he added.

Nwodo also commended the electoral body’s performance in his area.

“From what I’m seeing here, INEC has done its best in this district. Everything is going smoothly, and the INEC officials and their staff are doing their best,” he stated.

Speaking on result transmission, he emphasised the need for proper documentation.

“Electronic transmission is the best. whatever is counted at the polling unit must be documented in our presence. We should snap it, post it, and keep records,” he advised.

He added that stronger institutions would improve confidence in elections.

“Another thing that will make Nigerian elections work better is strengthening judicial independence.”