The ongoing FCT polls have come under scrutiny following allegations of voter intimidation raised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chairmanship candidate in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, who is contesting under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), alleged that certain individuals and local power brokers attempted to intimidate voters ahead of and during the election process. He described the situation as a threat to democratic participation in the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the APGA candidate expressed concern that some community influencers were discouraging residents from supporting particular political parties. According to him, such actions undermine the credibility of the FCT polls and could discourage voter turnout in critical polling units across AMAC.
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The FCT polls voter intimidation allegation adds to growing tensions surrounding the area council elections, where political competition has intensified in recent weeks. While the candidate did not publicly name those allegedly involved, he called on security agencies to investigate and ensure that voters are allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear.
He further emphasized the importance of credible grassroots elections, noting that area council leadership plays a direct role in local governance, infrastructure development, and community welfare within the FCT. Any attempt to manipulate or influence voters, he argued, weakens democratic institutions at the local level.
Reports from several polling units across the FCT indicated a generally calm atmosphere, with security personnel deployed strategically to maintain order. However, the allegation of FCT polls voter intimidation has sparked debate among political observers and residents alike.
Other political parties participating in the council elections have also raised concerns about isolated incidents of intimidation and restrictions affecting voter movement. Election stakeholders continue to urge calm, stressing that disputes should be addressed through appropriate legal and institutional channels.
Security agencies, meanwhile, maintained a visible presence across the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory to prevent violence and safeguard electoral materials. Movement restrictions were also enforced in parts of the territory to enhance security coordination during the voting process.
As the FCT polls progress, attention remains focused on transparency, voter protection, and the overall credibility of the electoral process. The allegations underscore the need for sustained monitoring to ensure that grassroots democracy functions effectively within Nigeria’s capital.
The final outcome of the elections will not only determine leadership at the area council level but will also serve as a test of electoral integrity in the Federal Capital Territory.