FCT Area Council Poll: APGA Chairmanship Candidate Alleges Intimidation, Irregularities

 

The chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Dr. Eze Onyebuchi, on Saturday raised alarm over alleged cases of voter intimidation, missing result sheets and widespread apathy in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

Speaking with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Polling Unit 013, Asokoro II, Abuja, Onyebuchi described the process in his immediate environment as peaceful but expressed concern over reported irregularities in other parts of the council.

According to him, while voting in Asokoro was calm and orderly, complaints had emerged from Durumi, particularly at Polling Unit 022, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly failed to present the original copy of the result sheet.

“In Asokoro, the atmosphere is peaceful and reasonably fair. However, in places like Durumi, INEC officials reportedly came without the original result sheet. When questioned, they said it was forgotten at the office. As at now, it has not been provided,” he said.

He further alleged that party agents, except that of the ruling party, had protested the development.

The APGA candidate also drew attention to reports from communities around Kagini, where he claimed some voters described as non-indigenes were allegedly prevented from voting by groups insisting that the land belonged solely to indigenes.

Onyebuchi equally alleged incidents of vote-buying and threats against voters in the Orozo axis, describing the situation as inimical to grassroots democracy.

Reacting to the low turnout observed at his polling unit, which has 2,816 registered voters, Onyebuchi expressed disappointment that fewer than 10 voters had cast their ballots at the time he addressed journalists.

“I am surprised. We invested significant effort in our campaigns. I have not witnessed an area council election in the FCT as intense as this. Yet, the polling units are largely empty and INEC officials are seated with little activity,” he lamented.

He stressed the need for credible leadership at the grassroots level, noting that effective governance at local and state levels is critical to national development.

“We cannot build a strong nation on a weak foundation. Good governance must begin at the grassroots. If competent hands are entrusted with leadership at the local government and state levels, managing the presidency becomes less daunting,” he added.

The FCT Area Council elections are ongoing across the six councils, with security agencies and electoral officials deployed to ensure a smooth exercise.