The African Democratic Congress (ADC) defeated All Progressives Congress (APC) to win its first polling unit in the ongoing Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The election, which recorded widespread low turnout of voters, saw the opposition coalition carrying the day at polling unit 076, Sani Abacha Estate, Wuse, Zone 4, where Dr. Moses Paul, candidate of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), cast his ballot.

Of the 10 ballots cast at the voting point, ADC took the majority of 7, APC trailed with two, while one vote was declared invalid.

Earlier, Paul had alleged intimidation of his party’s agents and blamed the movement restriction for the low turnout announced by the Minister of the FCT for the low voter turnout recorded in parts of the council.

He said the turnout was far lower than expected and attributed it to what he described as confusion created by the restriction directive.

He said he had lived in AMAC for about 40 years and had never witnessed such a situation, noting that the development appeared like “a state of emergency” over what he considered unwarranted.

He said although electoral officials at his polling unit were professional and followed due process, 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 allegedly told they would be maimed or killed, and noted that such actions were aimed at suppressing voters and influencing the process in favour of the ruling party.

He said vote buying was criminal and alleged that it was ongoing in parts of the capital city.

He added that despite the challenges, he remained confident of emerging victorious, noting that the will of the people would prevail and urging Nigerians to resist intimidation and demand accountable leadership. (Daily Trust)

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