| Tinubu urges winners to serve with humility, congratulates Wike
| Atiku: Poor turnout, damning verdict on well being of Nigeria’s democracy
By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah, IGHO OYOYO, James Kwen, Samson Elijah, Moses Orjime, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) asserted its political dominance within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), defeating the main opposition events, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) within the chairmanships and councillors elections held on the weekend.
Apart from the nation’s seat of energy, APC additionally proved its political superiority within the Kano and Rivers by-elections identical weekend.
President Bola Tinubu, the APC management and its governors yesterday hailed the end result of the elections as reflective of the get together’s acceptance by Nigerians and its administration’s reform.
However opposition events and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar dismissed the ruling get together’s victory, accusing it of shrinking the democratic house by way of voter intimidation and vote shopping for.
Additionally, Civil Society Organisations like YiagaAfrica, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) equally picked holes within the high quality of the elections, passing a damning verdict on the workouts within the FCT, Kano and Rivers states.
The Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) carried out elections within the six space councils of the FCT and by-elections within the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State, in addition to within the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Within the FCT, the election was marred by voter apathy and vote shopping for. In Kano and Rivers, it was primarily an APC affair as different key opposition events couldn’t area candidates.
This was the primary election carried out by INEC underneath the brand new, and what some contemplate controversial, Electoral Modification Act, which was signed into regulation by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, 18 February.
It additionally marked the second election overseen by the brand new INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, since he assumed workplace on 23 October, 2025. His first was the Anambra State governorship election held in November 2025.
In the meantime, the APC recorded large wins within the FCT election.
Outcomes from polling models throughout the six native council areas of the FCT started showing on the fee’s Outcome Viewing Portal (IReV) simply hours after the conclusion of the election.
Beneath are the detailed outcomes from every Space Council:
Gwagwalada Space Council (PDP)
The PDP candidate, Mohammed Kasim, was declared winner of the Gwagwalada Space Council chairmanship election.
The Returning Officer from INEC, Philip Akpen, introduced the consequence on Sunday, 22 February.
He said that Kasim secured 22,165 votes to defeat his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 17,788 votes.
Akpen described the election as peaceable and easily carried out.
The variety of registered voters was 207,577; whereas accredited to vote have been 46,294.
The entire legitimate votes have been 43,960 whereas rejected votes have been 1,521.
Abuja Municipal Space Council (APC)
INEC declared Christopher Maikalangu of the APC the elected chairman of the Abuja Municipal Space Council (AMAC). Maikalangu secured 40, 295 votes to defeat his closest rival, Paul Moses Ogidi of ADC who scored 12,109 votes. The collation officer for AMAC was Andrew Abue.
Bwari Space Council (APC)
INEC has declared Joshua Ishaku of the APC the winner of the Bwari Space Council chairmanship election.
Ishaku scored 18,466 votes to defeat the candidates of ADC with 4,254 and ZLP, 3,515
The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Mohammed Nurudeen, introduced the consequence on Sunday in Bwari.
Kwali Space Council (APC)
APC’s Daniel Nuhu gained the Kwali Space Council chairmanship election with 16,656 votes.
Nuhu defeated his closest rival, Haruna Pai of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 8,467 votes to return second.
Abaji Space Council (APC)
Umar Abdullahi of the APC additionally gained the chairmanship election for Abaji Space Council.
He polled 15,535 and· PDP candidate bought 4,547
Kuje Space Council
Danjuma Samuel of the APC was declared the winner of the Kuje Space Council chairmanship election.
The Returning Officer, Professor Nkiruka Odoh, introduced Samuel because the winner after collating the outcomes on the INEC workplace in Kuje.
Samuel scored 17,269 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Zakwoyi Danlami of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 15,824 votes.
Serve With Humility, Patriotism, Tinubu urges winners
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the winners of Saturday’s elections within the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kano and Rivers.
In a press release by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged the winners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication and to view the mandate given to them by the folks as a sacred belief.
He counseled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional achievements within the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
The President congratulated the APC nationwide management, Kano and Rivers leaderships, and all members of the get together on the victories on the polls.
President Tinubu additionally lauded the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC), safety businesses, and voters for the peaceable and profitable conduct of the elections.
He additional counseled the braveness and self-discipline displayed by all of the contestants, stating that democracy is enriched with the vibrancy of participation and competitors.
President Tinubu affirmed that the profitable conduct of the elections additional strengthens democratic tradition and establishments and referred to as on INEC to proceed enhancing its efforts to ship much more exemplary electoral processes.
FCT Polls: Atiku Blames Tinubu For Low Voter Turnout
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed concern on the low voter turnout recorded in Saturday’s FCT Space Council elections, describing it as a worrying signal for the nation’s democracy.
In a press release issued by the Atiku Media Workplace on Sunday in Abuja, the previous vp mentioned voter participation averaged beneath 20 per cent throughout the councils, with the Abuja Municipal Space Council (AMAC) recording 7.8 per cent turnout.
He described the event as a “damning verdict” on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, notably within the nation’s capital.
In line with him, the low turnout was not unintentional however a mirrored image of what he termed a shrinking democratic house underneath the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku alleged that the federal government had fostered an environment of intolerance and intimidation, weakening opposition voices and discouraging citizen participation within the electoral course of.
“When residents lose religion that their votes matter, democracy begins to die,” he mentioned.
He additional warned that continued erosion of public confidence within the political system may undermine participatory governance and weaken the nation’s democratic establishments.
The previous vp referred to as on opposition events and different democratic stakeholders to shut ranks and work collectively to safeguard democratic values.
“That is now not about get together strains; it’s about preserving the Republic. The time to face collectively to rescue and rebuild Nigeria is now,” he said.
Southern Governors’ Discussion board hails Tinubu, APC
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Discussion board, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has applauded APC’s efficiency within the FCT election, saying that the get together’s sturdy exhibiting represents huge acceptance of the get together by Nigerians.
In a press release issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, Abiodun described APC’s sturdy efficiency as an endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abiodun, who congratulated President Bola Tinubu; the chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and the APC candidates within the elections for the nice outing, mentioned the get together’s superlative efficiency on the polls is a precursor to its impending victory within the 2027 common election.
He mentioned: “Little doubt, the end result of the realm council polls on the FCT has proven clearly that Nigerians are totally aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, and can once more display this through the 2027 common election.
“The overwhelming majority of Nigerians know that with APC on the helm of affairs, Nigeria’s future is in secure arms.
“I congratulate President Bola Tinubu and the management of our nice get together, the APC, on this exceptional outing, which is a pointer to our victory in 2027.”
Outcomes Replicate Endorsement Of Tinubu’s Reforms — Yilwatda
On his half, the APC nationwide chairman, Prof Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the end result of the Saturday’s elections as a convincing endorsement of the continued reforms and governance course of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a press release issued on Sunday by his particular adviser, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda mentioned the overwhelming help recorded by the get together, notably within the nation’s capital, displays the boldness of Nigerians within the Renewed Hope Agenda and their perception that the present reforms would in the end lead the nation to its desired vacation spot.
“I heartily congratulate our teeming supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers States on the profitable, peaceable and credible conduct of the Saturday, twenty first February 2026 polls. The victories recorded by our nice get together are a transparent testomony to the resilience, unity and grassroots power of the APC,” the assertion learn.
In line with the APC chairman, the end result of the FCT Space Council elections carries particular nationwide significance.
“The Abuja election, specifically, is a strong assertion by Nigerians from all walks of life that they stand firmly with President Tinubu and his daring reform agenda. As residents of the nation’s capital, their verdict sends a robust message of widespread help, renewed hope and confidence within the skill of this administration to reposition Nigeria for sustainable development and prosperity.”
He congratulated the 5 APC chairmanship candidates who emerged victorious within the Abuja Municipal Space Council (AMAC), Kuje, Abaji, Bwari and Kwali, noting that their victories underscore the get together’s deep reference to the folks.
He additionally congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate who gained in Gwagwalada, describing the end result as proof that democracy has prevailed and the need of the folks revered.
FCT Polls: Keyamo Upbraids Opposition, Says Nigerians Are Not Fools
For his half, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Improvement, Festus Keyamo, has criticized opposition events over their allegations of widespread irregularities within the latest election within the FCT, describing their claims as baseless and exaggerated.
In a put up shared on his official X account on Sunday, Keyamo accused opposition figures of creating “futile excuses” for his or her defeat on the polls, asserting that Nigerians had clearly expressed their will.
“This set of opposition fellows are a bunch of lazy and shameless characters,” he wrote. “The futile excuses they offer for shedding elections have change into their opium to numb their ache, disappointment and disgrace for his or her rejection by the citizens in spite of everything their theatrics and grandstanding. Nigerians are NOT FOOLS.”
The minister argued that out of the two,822 polling models within the FCT, the opposition had pointed to fewer than 10 models the place consequence sheets have been allegedly corrected as proof that the whole election was flawed.
Turaki-led PDP Congratulates Party’s Profitable Candidate, Begins Petition Course of
In the meantime, the Nationwide Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday, congratulated profitable candidates of the PDP within the Space Council Elections which have been held in Abuja on February 21, 2026.
In line with the nationwide public secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, PDP mentioned the victory, although much less in quantity than it anticipated, is gladdening as a result of it’s towards the background of unprecedented intimidation, high-powered cash politics and brazen government brigandage.
“Reviews and video proof abound the place armed safety personnel have been used to cart away consequence sheets in polling models, intimidate voters, and unduly affect the end result of the elections.
“We particularly congratulate the chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Space Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the Councillors who’ve been declared profitable by the Unbiased Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC).
“Now we have arrange a particular Authorized Workforce, headed by the Nationwide Authorized Adviser, Shafi Bara’u, esq, to take care of candidates who’ve real complaints arising from these elections and to help with post-election litigations. They need to instantly contact the Nationwide Authorized Adviser for immediate motion, as delay is deadly in election petition circumstances.”
It additional famous that the voter apathy within the polls “is a direct response to the anti-people Electoral Act 2026, the place the folks have fully misplaced religion within the electoral outcomes from elections carried out underneath this Act. These Native Council polls may be a foreshadowing of the forthcoming common elections in 2027, if adjustments usually are not urgently made.
“There may be time to right the wrongdoing by the Nationwide Meeting and the President to save lots of our democracy from collapse,” the get together added.
Professional-PDP Group Relishes Gwagwalada Victory, Insists Party Gained Kuje, Two Chairmanship Seats
The Convention of Professionals within the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has congratulated the Chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Space Council, Mohammed Kasim, and the assorted councillors on their declaration of victory by INEC within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Space Council election held on Saturday.
The CP-PDP, in a press release by its professional tem Nationwide Chairman, Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, maintained that, judging by the recognition of the PDP and the precise desire expressed by voters on the varied polling models, the get together additionally clearly gained the chairmanship seats in different Space Councils, together with Abuja Municipal Space Council (AMAC) and Bwari, the place it mentioned the PDP recorded overwhelming dominance regardless of alleged assaults and underhand techniques by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The manifest recognition and efficiency of the PDP within the FCT election, regardless of serial assaults, threats, intimidation, propaganda, lies and in depth shenanigans by the APC utilizing the instrumentality of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, additional underscore the undisputed power and efficiency of the PDP on the grassroots degree throughout the nation.
“The Convention, after a radical evaluation of the election, is collaborating with the Kabiru Turaki-led nationwide management of the PDP to take sturdy authorized steps to make sure that no person makes away with any mandate freely given to the PDP within the FCT election,” the assertion mentioned.
FCT Polls: Low Turnout, Logistical Lapses, Fragile Collation a Stark Warning for 2027 — Yiaga Africa
Yiaga Africa has declared that the low turnout, logistical lapses and fragile collation witnessed within the Federal Capital Territory Space Council election held on Saturday represent a stark warning forward of the 2027 common elections.
The organisation made this recognized in a press release on the ward collation of leads to the FCT polls, signed by its Govt Director, Samson Itodo, and Director of Programmes, Cynthia Mbamalu, and made obtainable to LEADERSHIP on Sunday.
The civil society organisation had earlier said in its preliminary report that the FCT Space Council election was carried out in a largely peaceable ambiance, and that voters who arrived at polling models have been in a position to solid their ballots with out main disruption.
Regardless of this, it famous that turnout was usually low, with many polling models recording restricted participation. It added that delays within the deployment of personnel and supplies, coupled with insufficient communication concerning polling unit relocations, undermined voter confidence and contributed to disenfranchisement.
Yiaga Africa said that with the 2027 common elections quick approaching, such lapses are unacceptable, and urged INEC to undertake a extra detailed, project-based method to logistics planning and execution. It referred to as for sturdy operational frameworks, strict adherence to timelines and the institution of contingency measures to ensure effectivity and credibility in future elections.
The CSO, which deployed observers to collation centres to watch the outcomes collation course of, noticed that the 2026 FCT Space Council election offered a blended however cautionary sign forward of the 2027 common elections.
Whereas voting was largely peaceable and there was substantial compliance with outcomes administration procedures, together with excessive IReV add charges, it said that the ward-level collation stage stays probably the most fragile hyperlink within the electoral worth chain.
In line with Yiaga Africa, violent disruptions, delays, safety lapses and the relocation of collation processes uncovered weaknesses that threaten the integrity of outcomes administration.
It mentioned the teachings from the FCT election should subsequently drive pressing reforms in logistics, safety coordination and collation procedures.
The professional-democracy group disclosed that ward collation commenced between 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm in 66 per cent of the collation centres noticed; an extra 10 per cent started between 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm, whereas 3 per cent commenced between 9.00 pm and midnight.
“In Kuje Central and Kabi wards of Kuje Space Council, collation didn’t start till the next morning. The first causes of delay included late arrival of supplies from polling models, absence of collation officers at designated occasions, logistical failures in transporting delicate supplies, and reported intimidation of officers by political thugs, which prompted officers to await safety escorts,” it mentioned.
On transparency and the posting of outcomes, Yiaga Africa said: “In 80 per cent of the ward collation centres noticed, collation officers accomplished and publicly displayed the Discover of Outcomes Poster (Type EC60E) for the chairmanship election.
“In 95 per cent of ward collation centres that commenced collation, get together brokers have been requested to countersign the consequence types. ADC brokers countersigned in 88 per cent of centres noticed, APC brokers in 93 per cent, PDP brokers in 91 per cent, and SDP brokers in 59 per cent of centres.”
It noticed that copies of Type EC8B have been distributed in 100 per cent of the ward collation centres noticed; nonetheless, disagreements with the declared outcomes have been recorded in 2 per cent of the centres.
Yiaga Africa observers reported the presence of safety officers in 98 per cent of the collation centres noticed and famous incidents of intimidation, harassment and violence at a number of ward collation centres.
The organisation counseled INEC officers in a number of wards who demonstrated braveness and professionalism, finishing up their duties regardless of intimidation and assaults. It additionally praised vigilant residents in affected wards who defended their mandate by insisting on compliance with established procedures and resisting makes an attempt by political thugs to disrupt the collation of outcomes.
“These crucial incidents have important implications for electoral integrity. Disruptions, intimidation and the relocation of collation processes undermine the collation of election outcomes and improve the danger of manipulation or tampering.
“Additionally they increase respectable considerations concerning the effectiveness of the Inter-Company Consultative Committee on Election Safety (ICCES) and the influence of the in depth deployment of safety personnel through the elections. When consequence sheets are eliminated, collation is interrupted, or proceedings transfer to undisclosed or much less accessible areas, transparency declines and observer oversight weakens.
“The usage of power, destruction of property and evacuation of officers and observers additional diminish public confidence within the credibility of the method. Even when outcomes are finalised, procedural shortcomings erode belief within the impartiality, safety and reliability of outcomes administration, particularly on the ward collation stage, which stays the weakest hyperlink within the outcomes worth chain,” the assertion learn partially.
The organisation famous that the Electoral Act 2026 mandates the digital transmission of polling unit outcomes by way of the INEC Outcome Viewing Portal (IReV).
Whereas total add charges reached 73 per cent by the top of election day, Yiaga Africa noticed momentary downtime on the IReV portal through the add of outcomes.
It mentioned the disruption generated public suspicion and hypothesis, underscoring the sensitivity of the outcomes transmission section, and urged INEC to offer a transparent public clarification concerning the trigger and period of the downtime to be able to strengthen transparency and public confidence within the IReV portal.
“As of 4.30 pm on Sunday, 22 February, 2,641 chairmanship outcomes and a pair of,542 councillorship outcomes out of two,822 polling models had been uploaded to the IReV portal, representing roughly 94 per cent (chairmanship outcomes) and 90 per cent (councillorship outcomes) add charges respectively,” the assertion added.
Yiaga Africa said that the 2026 FCT Space Council election reaffirms that ward-level collation stays probably the most susceptible and most consequential stage of Nigeria’s electoral course of.
In line with the organisation, the need of voters expressed at polling models can solely be protected if the chain of custody of outcomes — from polling models to ward and subsequently to native authorities collation centres — is safe, clear and topic to efficient oversight.
