FCTDecides2026: Vote-buying claims overshadow Gwagwalada Townhall ward

Allegations of vote buying have disrupted polling at Townhall Ward in Gwagwalada Area Council, where voters reportedly received cash incentives to back specific candidates.

Irregularities emerged at several units, including Polling Unit 036 (Aganshanu Unit 2, Townhall), Townhall Fulani 2 Polling Unit 02, and Unit 036. Eyewitnesses say party agents trailed voters to confirm they supported favored candidates.

The process stayed violence-free, but turnout was low. Observers noted voters hesitated without payments. “Like the big parties, they are giving people money to come and vote, but others don’t have the funds,” said an SDP observer.

Jonathan Haruna, another observer, raised alarms: “Our party doesn’t have money for buying votes, leaving us at a disadvantage.”

Saleh Kaman added that turnouts are typically higher during presidential polls than area council elections.
Our correspondent, Adebola Oladosu, reports that as of filing, vote counting was about to begin.