The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged voter intimidation over the presence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at some polling units during the Saturday’s elections in Abuja.

The party described Wike’s movement around polling units under the guise of monitoring the exercise as inappropriate and capable of influencing voters.

It argued that as a serving cabinet minister who is not a registered voter in the Federal Capital Territory, he has no constitutional role in the conduct of the election.

In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, warned that Wike’s movement could create an atmosphere of fear among voters and electoral officials.

“His presence during active voting is therefore not only vexatious and meddlesome but also risks intimidating voters and officials.”

The ADC further claimed it had received reports of voter suppression and intimidation in some parts of the territory.

It also alleged collaboration between agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and certain security personnel.

The party raised concern over the reported disruption of the Result Viewing Portal, IReV, operated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the platform was inaccessible while results were being collated.

“We also note disruptions to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which has remained inaccessible even as results are being collated. We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption.”

The ADC urged its agents and supporters to remain calm, vigilant and law abiding, while documenting any incidents observed during the electoral process. (Text, excluding headline: Daily Trust)

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