The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the recently concluded FCT Area Council elections. Meanwhile, former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has urged party members in Kwara State to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of future elections.
The Facts
- PDP criticised aspects of the FCT Area Council election process.
- The party cited concerns including a 22-hour curfew before the election.
- APC won five councils, while PDP secured Gwagwalada Area Council.
- Saraki met with PDP leaders and stakeholders in Ilorin during Ramadan.
- He encouraged party members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in Kwara.
PDP Raises Concerns Over FCT Election Process
The National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ini Ememobong, has expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the recent FCT Area Council elections.
Speaking during a television programme monitored in Abuja, Ememobong stated that several aspects of the electoral process and its preparations were flawed.
According to him, the 22-hour curfew imposed before the election could have affected voter participation. He also referenced what he described as inconsistencies between statements made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the FCT Police Command.
The election, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the weekend, resulted in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) winning five area councils, while the PDP secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Ememobong further stated that elections must reflect the will of the people, adding that opposition parties were already engaging in consultations ahead of future electoral cycles.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
While the FCT election outcome has sparked reactions at the national level, political observers note that discussions about electoral processes often shape preparations for subsequent elections.
The PDP spokesman suggested that lessons from the FCT experience could influence how opposition parties approach future contests.
At the time of writing, no official response from INEC or other electoral authorities regarding the specific allegations had been referenced in the monitored programme.
Saraki Urges PDP Members to Strengthen Party in Kwara
In a related development, former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has called on PDP members in Kwara State to intensify efforts to strengthen the party’s structure.
Saraki made the appeal in Ilorin during a Ramadan engagement where he hosted party leaders, ward executives, and stakeholders from Ilorin West Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued by his Local Press Officer, Mallam Abdulqadir Abdulganiyu, the outreach was part of a broader Ramadan engagement across the state aimed at reinforcing unity and interaction between party leadership and members.
The statement indicated that the engagement formed part of Saraki’s effort to maintain direct contact with party faithful during the holy month while encouraging commitment and service.
Focus on Grassroots Mobilisation
Saraki reportedly urged party members to continue their membership drive in preparation for future elections in the state. He commended executives and stakeholders for their commitment and encouraged sustained efforts toward party growth.
The former Senate President also assured members that dedication and hard work within the party structure would be recognised.
The Ramadan gathering included participation in congregational prayers, reflecting what aides described as Saraki’s tradition of observing the spiritual period among community members.
Kwara Political Landscape
Kwara State remains a politically active state, with major parties maintaining visible grassroots structures. Political mobilisation during non-election periods often plays a significant role in shaping party strength ahead of major polls.
As political conversations continue nationally and within the state, attention is expected to remain on party organisation, internal cohesion, and electoral strategy.
Reactions from other political stakeholders in Kwara regarding both the FCT election claims and Saraki’s mobilisation call were still emerging at the time of writing.
Sources
Sources: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Statement by Abdulqadir Abdulganiyu, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
