The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Mr. Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party the winner of the Gwagwalada Area Council Chairmanship election.
Prof. Philip Akpeni, the Returning Officer for the Gwagwalada chairmanship election, who announced the results of the poll on Sunday in Gwagwalada, disclosed that Kasim of PDP polled a total of 22,165 votes and therefore declared him the winner.
“I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026.
“That Mohammed Kasim of PDP, having certified the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he said.
Akpeni also said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Yahaya Usman, scored a total of 17,788 votes, while Mr Biko Umar of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party scored 1, 687 to come in third place.
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The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the chairmanship election was conducted in 10 wards of the council, namely: Paiko, Dobi, Gwako, Ibwa, Staff Quarters, Zuba, Ikwa, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Centre, and Tunga Maje.
The Returning Officer noted that the election was conducted across the 10 wards of the council without any major disruption, commending security agencies and ad hoc staff for their roles in ensuring a peaceful process.
Observers at the collation centre reported that party agents closely monitored the sorting and counting of ballots before the final declaration, while PDP supporters erupted in jubilation shortly after the results were announced.
With the declaration, Mohammed Kasim is expected to assume office after the issuance of his certificate of return, as residents of Gwagwalada look forward to the implementation of his campaign promises aimed at improving infrastructure and grassroots development within the area council.
Turnout across several polling units in the council was described as moderate, with electoral officials arriving early at most centres to commence accreditation and voting. Voters in some areas, however, expressed concerns about logistical delays and low participation, which they attributed to apathy and the cosmopolitan nature of the Federal Capital Territory.
Security personnel were visibly stationed at strategic locations throughout the exercise to maintain order, while election observers commended the generally calm atmosphere that prevailed during voting and collation. No significant incidents were officially reported at the time of filing this report.
Political analysts say the outcome of the chairmanship contest could reshape grassroots politics in Gwagwalada, as the new administration is expected to focus on service delivery, revenue generation, and strengthening engagement between the council leadership and local communities.
NAN
