By Nchetachi Chukwuajah with Agency Report
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in Gwagwalada Area Council for the February 21 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) election, Uahaya Usman, has filed a petition challenging the election.
Usman, in the petition filed before the Area Council Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, is contesting the return of Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the council’s election.
Recall that the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) show that Kasim polled 22,165 votes, while Usman secured 17,788 votes.
The petitioners claim that the election did not meet the required legal and procedural standards, while also alleging corrupt practices in the election.
They claimed, “That the election was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“That the election and return of the 1st Respondent was invalid by reason of corrupt practices.”
According to filings before the tribunal, the petitioners also argue that the declared winner did not secure the majority of lawful votes cast, adding that disputes have been raised over results in 110 polling units across the council area.
The petition outlines two broad categories of concern: alleged non-compliance in over 100 polling units and other contested issues in a smaller number of locations.
According to the petition, there are discrepancies between voter accreditation records and final vote tallies in some polling units, as well as questions surrounding the collation process.
Witness statements submitted alongside the petition describe observations made at polling units, including delays in the commencement of voting and differences between announced results and recorded accreditation data.
One witness stated, “That the polling unit did not open for accreditation and voting at the scheduled time, and election officials arrived late.”
Another deposition read, “That I further observed that the number of votes eventually announced did not reflect the number of voters who were present at the polling unit.”
The petition also references documentation such as result sheets, voter registers, and accreditation reports, which the petitioners say will be relied upon during proceedings.
Based on these arguments, the petitioners are asking the tribunal to make several determinations, including:
“That it may be determined that the Chairmanship Election for Gwagwalada Area Council held on February 21 was not conducted in substantial compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
“An order cancelling the elections in the Polling Units affected by incidents of non-compliance and corrupt practices.”
“An order nullifying the declaration and return of the 1st Respondent as the winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairmanship Election held on February 21.”
As an alternative, the petitioners ask the tribunal to declare them winners of the election, having, in their view, secured the majority of lawful votes.
