FCT election: ADC put up shows, got nothing – Abati

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. ReubenAbati, has said the African Democratic Congress, ADC, failed to translate itscampaign efforts into electoral success in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,area council elections. Abati made the remarks on Monday while speaking on AriseTelevision’s Morning Show. He said the outcome of the elections in Abuja shows that thecontests have largely been decided, noting that political parties must begin toreassess their strategies ahead of future polls. Commenting on developments in Kano State, Abati stated thatthe All Progressives Congress, APC, won two by-elections, which, on thesurface, suggests that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated politicalstrength in the state. He, however, predicted that the 2027 general elections couldwitness widespread litigation. According to him, some candidates have alreadyindicated their intention to challenge the results in court. The former presidential aide expressed doubts that recentelectoral reforms would significantly curb malpractice, reduce the influence ofmoney, or eliminate irregularities in future elections. Abati said: “It looks like in Abuja the vote has been wonand lost. In Kano, APC won in the two by-elections, which will indicate thatGovernor Abba Yusuf, on the surface of it, has shown that he too can deliverthe APC in Kano state. “But generally, we have also seen that there may be a lot oflitigations in 2027. “Already the People’s Democratic Party is jubilating that,“oh, this is evidence of the resurgence of the PDP”. It is also saying that itwon not just in Gwagwalada, it won in Kuje and also two local councils. and DrPaul, I think that’s his name, Amos Paul, who is a candidate for the AbujaMunicipal Council, said he’s going to go to court. “So there will be a lot of litigation. If anyone thoughtthat electoral 2026 will simplify and reduce rigging, reduce the influence ofmoney and all of that, well that will be too much to hope for. “We just hope that all the stakeholders, including the ADCthat put up shows in Abuja and got nothing will learn from this and all theparties will restrategize. What that will imply in the future is something wecannot say.”

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