The APC candidate, Yahaya Usman, has filed a petition contesting the election results of the Gwagwalada chairmanship poll in Abuja, alleging electoral misconduct and seeking nullification of the outcome.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Yahaya Usman, are challenging the result of the chairmanship election held in the Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja on February 21, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced Mohammed Kasim from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner, having received 22,165 votes compared to Usman's 17,788 votes. This has led to a legal response from Usman and the APC, who believe that the electoral process was flawed.
In their petition, marked FCT/ACEPT/EP/02/2026, the petitioners argue on three grounds for the election's nullification. They cite alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, claims of corrupt practices during the elections, and the assertion that the winner, Mohammed Kasim, failed to legitimately secure the majority of valid votes cast. The election was held across 10 wards and involved 338 polling units, and the APC contends that the election was heavily affected by irregularities involving the conduct of electoral officials.
This challenge comes amidst ongoing concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria, particularly given the country's recent history of disputed elections and widespread allegations of misconduct. The outcomes of such legal actions can significantly affect public trust in electoral institutions and processes, as well as the political landscape in the Abuja region.
