Kuje results delay sparks tension as PDP raises manipulation fears

The Peoples Democratic Party has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately announce the outstanding results for the Kuje Area Council chairmanship election, citing concerns over delays in collation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the failure to declare results from two wards was creating apprehension among stakeholders.

According to him, the delay in announcing results from Kuje Central and Kabi wards has raised fears of possible interference, especially given the party’s narrow lead in the area.

Ememobong called on INEC to complete the process without further delay, stressing that most of the ward results had already been uploaded on the IREV portal.

He maintained that election outcomes must accurately reflect the will of voters, warning that any deviation could undermine the integrity of the exercise.

INEC officials had earlier explained the reason for the delay.

The Supervising Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Kuje poll, Abubakar Dambo, said results from the two wards were still undergoing collation, noting that figures from eight of the ten wards had been declared.

Dambo attributed the setback to logistical challenges involving collation officers.

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nentawe Yilwatda, congratulated party supporters following the February 21 polls in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Rivers states.

He described the outcomes as evidence of the APC’s grassroots strength and listed Kuje among councils won by the party despite the pending declaration.

Reports indicated that the APC secured victories in Abaji, Kwali, Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari, while the PDP won in Gwagwalada Area Council.

Bola Tinubu also congratulated winners of the elections, commending INEC, security agencies and voters for the peaceful conduct of the polls.

However, opposition parties continue to raise concerns over the elections, pointing to low voter turnout and alleged irregularities.

The PDP has also inaugurated a special legal team to handle petitions arising from the FCT Area Council polls.