FCT Election Better Organised Than Previous Polls- Ex-IPAC Chairman

A former chairman of the Inter- party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Enugu State, Barr John Nwobodo, has declared that despite some obvious setbacks, the recently held Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Area Council election was largely peaceful and better organised than previous polls.

Nwobodo, a former governorship candidate in Enugu State, stated this in an interview with LEADERSHIP Friday in Enugu.

He, however, averred that the outcome of 21st February, 2026 election into the FCT Area Councils does not serve as a barometer for making projections into 2027 general elections as to the chances of the opposition wresting power from the incumbent or otherwise.

“Despite some obvious setbacks, the FCT Area Council election was largely peacefully and better organised in comparison to previous elections.

“There were minimal incidents of violence and result manipulations. The incident of over voting that occurred was a result of multiple balloting but manual alterations of forms EC8A,” he stated.

He noted that NEC had, during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners and the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions, announced measures to eliminate manual alteration of results.

Nwobodo described the development as a welcome development, stating that INEC appears determined to improve the electoral process, and pleaded that they should be given the benefit of the doubt.

“Apart from the above identified issues, one other challenge that portends great danger to democracy and elections is the influence peddling that the FCT Minister indulged in, evidenced by his roving round under the guise of election monitoring whilst he was not an agent of any political party.

“ It is troubling that INEC turned a blind eye to that condemnable act of the FCT. The rule on election day movement is clear – no one is permitted to perambulate unless such person is on election duty or on essential service bearing the necessary pass issued by INEC,” he stated.

He however, declared that the decision about who should be President in 2027 will be made by the people in due time.

He pointed out that  the decision will be made based on citizens’ introspection and reflections into their socio-economic conditions  and wellbeing.

Nwobodo noted that If the citizens feel that their welfare and conditions have improved since 2023, then the incumbent may receive a vote of confidence, but was quick to add that  if otherwise, the citizens will cast a protest vote.

“The real issue is that even the opposition have yet to get their acts together. There is no clear indication about what they would do differently. So far, oppositions’ criticisms centre on fault-finding and innuendos without proffering alternative approaches,” he stated.