By Abubakar Yunusa
The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared Kasim Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party as chairman-elect of the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory.
Mohammed clinched victory in Saturday’s area council election after polling 22,165 votes.
His closest challenger, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress, scored 17,788 votes.
Announcing the results, the INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, said Mohammed satisfied all legal requirements to be declared the winner.
Akpen described the election as peaceful and smooth, despite the keen contest and high political stakes.
The PDP candidate’s victory was anchored on strong showings across several wards, reflecting solid grassroots mobilisation.
However, the poll was not without challenges, as reports of voter intimidation, alleged vote-buying and security concerns were recorded in some areas.
INEC insisted that the outcome reflected the will of the electorate, noting that due process was followed throughout the exercise.
Following the declaration, PDP supporters took over parts of Gwagwalada town, singing and waving party flags in celebration.
Attention has now shifted to the reaction of the opposition as the council prepares for a new administration.
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