Election Day: Live Results Trickle in as FCT Residents Vote for Area Council Leaders

Polling units across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun releasing raw results following the conclusion of voting in the 2026 Area Council Elections held on Saturday, February 21. The elections, which took place across the six area councils—Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Abaji, and Kwali—saw a significant turnout in several urban centers, although some rural areas reported a more cautious voter participation. As sorting and counting concluded at the individual polling unit level, early figures posted at the venues indicate a tight race between the major political contenders.

The exercise was characterized by use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which most presiding officers reported worked efficiently, despite minor technical glitches in few locations. In AMAC and Bwari, early results show a see-saw battle between the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the Labour Party (LP) also putting up a strong showing in several wards. Security remained tight throughout the territory, with a heavy presence of police and civil defense officers ensuring that the counting process remained orderly.

Despite the relatively peaceful conduct of the polls, there were reports of late arrival of materials in some parts of Kuje and Gwagwalada, which led to the extension of voting time in those specific areas. Election observers on the ground noted that while the atmosphere was generally calm, the tension rose during the collation phase as party agents kept a close watch on the movement of result sheets. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents to disregard unofficial figures circulating on social media and wait for the formal announcement at the designated collation centers.

As the results move from the polling units to the Ward and Local Government collation centers, the focus has shifted to the integrity of the final tallies. These elections are widely seen as a litmus test for the electoral reforms recently signed into law and a preview of the political temperature ahead of the 2027 general elections. Official declarations for the Chairmanship and Councillorship seats are expected to be made by INEC officials as the collation process is finalized across the territory.

Based on the early results you are seeing from your ward, are you satisfied with the transparency of the process so far? Share your comments below!

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