ADC Condemns Wike’s Presence at FCT Polling Units, Raises Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement

Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA): The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticized the presence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike at polling units during Saturday’s elections for chairmen of the six Area Councils, including the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

In a statement issued by party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described Wike’s movements under the guise of “monitoring” as interference in the electoral process. The party argued that Wike, who is not a registered voter in the FCT, has no constitutional role in the exercise. “His presence during active voting is not only vexatious and meddlesome, but also risks intimidating voters and officials,” the statement read.

Earlier, in its situation report, the ADC alleged emerging irregularities in parts of the FCT, claiming several voters reported that their names were missing from the register at multiple polling units. In a video circulating online, affected citizens alleged that names of individuals who voted for the Labour Party in the last election had been removed from the system in about 12 polling units. “These voters insist they are duly registered and participated in the previous election, yet they are now unable to find their details on the register. This development, if verified, raises serious concerns about voter disenfranchisement and the integrity of the electoral process. We call on INEC to urgently investigate these complaints, clarify the situation, and ensure that no eligible voter is denied their constitutional right to vote. Democracy must be protected. Every valid vote must count,” the party stated.

The ADC also expressed concern over reports of voter suppression and intimidation in parts of the FCT, alleging collaboration between APC agents and some security personnel.

On the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party pointed to disruptions on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which it said remained inaccessible even as results were being collated. “We find this a curious coincidence and call on INEC to urgently restore full IReV functionality, with a clear public explanation of the disruption,” Abdullahi added.

The party urged its agents and supporters to remain calm but vigilant, and to document any irregularities observed during the process.