Live Updates: APC, ADC, NNPP Face Key Test in Rivers, FCT, Kano Polls

Political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), are facing a crucial test today as voters head to the polls for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states.

Observers have described the elections as a significant indicator ahead of next year’s general elections.

10:20am – Lugbe Residents Defy Curfew

Despite movement restrictions imposed for the FCT Area Council elections, compliance appeared partial in Lugbe. Many residents were seen going about their normal businesses, while commercial and transport activities continued across the area.

10:12am – PDP, NNPP, ADC Missing from Kano Ballot

Three major opposition parties,  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), NNPP, and ADC, were absent from the ballot papers issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Kano State bye-election.

The omission has sparked concerns among voters and observers, given the parties’ strong presence in Kano’s political landscape.

10:07am – Former APC Candidate Displays Ballot

Haruna Audi, former APC chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, publicly displayed his ballot paper after voting at Polling Unit 001, Ushafa Primary School, during the ongoing FCT elections.

9:46am – Defections Shake Up FCT Polls

The build-up to the elections witnessed dramatic political shifts. In Gwagwalada Area Council, APC chairmanship candidate Mallam Usman Yahaya withdrew from the race and declared support for PDP candidate Alhaji Kasim Mohammed Ikwa (Wakilin Zuba), signaling changing alliances in the FCT political space.

9:00am – Early Arrival of INEC Officials

INEC officials arrived early at polling units in Dutse, Bwari Area Council, as preparations commenced for voting.

8:00am – Security Present, Voters Yet to Arrive

At Sagwari Extension, Customary Court Security Gate I & II, Dutse Alhaji — which has 600 registered voters — polling officials and security personnel were present early in the day. However, no party agents or voters had arrived at that time. Residents were observed moving freely and carrying on with normal activities.


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Stakes in the Elections

In the FCT, voters are electing chairmen and councillors across the six area councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

In Rivers State, bye-elections are being held for Ahoada II and Khana II seats in the State House of Assembly. Kano State is also conducting bye-elections for Ungoggo and Kano Municipal constituencies.

During the campaign period, three presidential aspirants of the ADC — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi — canvassed support for the party’s FCT chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul.

Meanwhile, the Kano bye-elections are viewed as a political test for Governor Abba Yusuf following his recent defection from the NNPP to the APC.

According to INEC, 1,680,315 registered voters across 62 wards and 2,822 polling units are eligible to participate in the FCT elections. The commission has also set up an Election Monitoring Centre to oversee the process nationwide and respond promptly to any issues that may arise.