By Our Correspondent
In the midst of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections held on Saturday, 21 February 2026, political tensions escalated in Gwagwalada Area Council as agents from major parties raised serious allegations of vote‑buying at several polling units.
Agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) accused other party representatives of offering cash incentives to voters in an attempt to influence the outcome of the polls. These claims were reported at polling units including Better Life, UBE, and Kotangora, where party agents also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in ballot handling by electoral officials.
According to these party representatives, money amounts ranging from ₦500 to ₦3,000 were allegedly being used to induce voters, with arrangements varying between individuals and political actors. While detailed confirmations from independent observers are still emerging, these accusations have heightened scrutiny and concern around the integrity of the electoral process in Gwagwalada.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and anti‑corruption enforcement agencies had earlier warned that vote buying and selling would not be tolerated, and that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were deployed across the FCT to deter and arrest offenders.
At the same time, multiple reports circulating on social media, including short video clips, have stirred public debate about alleged vote inducements, although electoral authorities have yet to verify the authenticity or precise locations shown in such footage.
As the day of voting unfolds across the Federal Capital Territory, the situation in Gwagwalada highlights the challenges facing local elections in Nigeria, particularly around maintaining transparency, preventing electoral malpractices, and ensuring that every voter’s choice is freely expressed without undue influence.
