By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Omeiza Ajayi, John Alechenu, Bashir Bello, Luminous Jannamike, Gabriel Ewepu & Gift ChapiOdekina
Voter apathy, delayed commencement of polling, and allegations of vote-trading shaped the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Area Council elections and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states, even as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies described the exercises as largely peaceful and orderly.
FCT Elections:
Across the six Area Councils of the FCT, observers reported late openings in many polling units, low voter turnout, and incidents of vote buying ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦10,000 per voter. Early results from INEC’s IReV portal indicated a strong showing for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in AMAC, Garki, Gwarimpa, and Nyanya, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took an early lead in Gwagwalada. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), which holds the sole Abuja Senate seat through Senator Ireti Kingibe, performed well in Kubwa and Bwari.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, backing APC candidates, and Senator Kingibe traded remarks during the polls, with Wike asserting the results would reveal “who is who.”
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room flagged late openings in many units, average commencement at 9:15 a.m., and widespread vote-buying, particularly in Gidan Mangoro Ward of AMAC, where votes were allegedly traded for up to ₦10,000. Yiaga Africa also raised concerns about vote inducement and low turnout.
Despite challenges, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan described the polls as “orderly, efficient, and peaceful,” praising BVAS accreditation performance and the robust security presence.
At Polling Unit 076, Big Cele Settlement, Dutse Alhaji, PDP candidates dominated both chairmanship and councillorship contests, securing 74 and 75 votes respectively, compared to minimal votes for APC and ADC candidates.
Rivers State Bye-Elections:
In Ahoada East II and Khana II, Rivers State, low turnout marked the polls. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, described the elections as peaceful and orderly despite voter apathy, attributing it partly to the absence of major opposition parties (PDP, ADC, LP). APC candidates Napoleon Ukalikpe and Mrs. Bulabari Henrietta Loolo contested the vacant seats.
Kano State Bye-Elections:
In Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies, electoral officers reported limited voter turnout, partly due to Ramadan and a perception of limited contest options. APC, led by Governor Abba Yusuf, dominated the polls in the absence of the NNPP, while 18 candidates from nine parties contested the two vacant seats.
Party Activities and Local Congresses:
The APC in Delta State successfully conducted peaceful Local Government Area (LGA) congresses across all 25 councils, with executives emerging through consensus. The party recorded impressive turnout and maintained orderly conduct, monitored by INEC, security agencies, and media representatives.
In Oyo State’s Oluyole Local Government Area, Prince Dotun Oladipupo emerged as the new APC chairman. Party chieftains described him as competent and capable of improving the party’s performance ahead of the 2027 general elections. Elected executives included Alhaji Mumeen Oriade (Secretary), Kikelomo Akinleye (Woman Leader), Tunde Garuba (Youth Leader), and Saheed Akilapa (Publicity Secretary).
