FCT Polls: PDP, ADC Agents Protest Alleged Vote Buying 

Agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have raised concerns over alleged voter inducement by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Polling Unit 035 in Nyanya during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.

The incident, observed at the polling unit, caused a brief disruption as opposition agents protested what they described as attempts to influence voters through cash distribution.

An opposition agent, who spoke anonymously, alleged that individuals believed to be acting on behalf of the APC approached voters in the queue and offered them ₦1,000 in exchange for support. 

“Some people we suspect to be APC intermediaries came to speak with voters. They were giving ₦1,000, but we openly rejected and spoke against it. That was why the situation became unruly for a while, but calm was restored after they left,” the agent said.

The agent explained that the action was openly resisted, which led to a tense moment before calm returned after the individuals left the area.

A representative of the ADC also criticised the development, expressing concern that security personnel present did not immediately intervene, while insisting that such practices should not be allowed to continue.

The confrontation momentarily unsettled the voting process, with some voters and party agents exchanging heated remarks. A voter was said to have cautioned that the disruption could risk the cancellation of results from the polling unit.

Normal voting later resumed after operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps restored order and maintained surveillance at the scene.

Commercial activity around the polling area was largely subdued due to the elections, with only essential services such as the Nyanya General Hospital remaining open.

Allegations of vote buying have continued to surface in Nigeria’s elections, raising persistent concerns about electoral integrity. 

Stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have repeatedly warned that such practices undermine free and fair elections by swaying voters through financial incentives.

Calls have continued for stronger enforcement of electoral laws, improved voter education, and greater accountability to curb the trend and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.