FCT Polls: ADC Accuses Wike of Interference, Alleges Voter Suppression

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of interfering in the ongoing area council elections in Abuja, alleging voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the territory.

In a statement on Saturday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned what it described as the minister’s movement around polling units under the guise of monitoring the electoral process.

The party alleged that Wike’s presence at various polling units during active voting was inappropriate and capable of intimidating voters and electoral officials.

According to the statement, the minister, who is not a registered voter in the FCT, has no constitutional role in the conduct of the election and should not be seen hovering around polling centres.

The ADC further claimed that the minister had earlier imposed a curfew on potential voters, describing the development as a deliberate attempt to influence the electoral process.

“We strongly condemn the movement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory around various polling units in Abuja under the guise of monitoring. His presence during active voting is not only vexatious and meddlesome, but also risks intimidating voters and officials,” the party stated.

The opposition party also raised concerns over alleged cases of voter suppression and intimidation in some parts of the FCT, accusing agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of collaborating with certain security personnel to frustrate voters.

It equally expressed worry over reported disruptions to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which it said had remained inaccessible even as results were being collated.

Describing the development as a “curious coincidence,” the ADC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently restore full functionality to the portal and provide a clear public explanation for the disruption.

The party urged its agents and supporters to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to document any incidents of irregularities for necessary action.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the FCT minister or INEC regarding the allegations.