FCT Poll: Votes Must Count, Says ZLP Chair Nwanyanwu

The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Dan Nwanyanwu, has warned that votes cast in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election must be duly counted, insisting that residents of the territory are not swayed by political noise or arrogance.

Nwanyanwu spoke during an interview on Arise TV, a clip of which was shared on X by Dr Kenon (@drkenon), amid rising political tension ahead of the poll.

He said the FCT has a distinct voting pattern that cannot be manipulated by grandstanding politicians.

“In FCT, they have a pattern when they are voting. They are not persuaded by noise. They are not persuaded by arrogance. They are not persuaded by people saying they are going to win everywhere. Nobody is going to win everywhere,” he said.

The ZLP chairman noted that political alliances have shifted in recent days, with some candidates stepping down to support others, while a recent Supreme Court judgment has also affected one of the political parties participating in the election.

According to him, the developments have heightened tension within the territory, but he maintained that the outcome would ultimately reflect the will of the people if the process remains credible.

“Watch it on Saturday and let me warn you. This election on Saturday must be counted. The votes must be counted,” he stressed.

Nwanyanwu dismissed claims by some political actors that they would dominate the councils, arguing that no single party has historically swept the FCT in local polls.

“In this Saturday’s election, if you count it, you will have three or four parties winning area councils. They decide. The voting pattern here is different. It is not the same with outside,” he said.

He added that politics at the council level is largely local and should not be conflated with general elections.

“You may not support the President’s party in this election, but in the general election you may support the President. Politics is local,” he stated.

The FCT Area Council election is expected to be held across the six area councils amid heightened political activity and shifting alliances among parties.
End.