By Kizito Ozoemena | February 22, 2026
ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Kasim Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) the Chairman-elect of the Gwagwalada Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following Saturday’s Area Council Election.
In a keenly contested race, Mohammed polled 22,165 votes, securing a decisive victory over his closest rival, Yahaya Shehu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 17,788 votes. The INEC Returning Officer, Philip Akpen, announced the results after a rigorous collation process, affirming that Mohammed met the legal requirements to be returned as the duly elected Chairman.
Akpen described the electoral process as “peaceful and smooth,” despite the high stakes involved in the council polls. The PDP’s victory was built on strong performances across several key wards, where voters turned out to support Mohammed’s candidacy.
However, the road to victory was not without challenges. Reports emerged of voter intimidation, allegations of vote-buying, and heightened security concerns at various polling points. Despite these tensions, INEC officials maintained that the final outcome remained a true reflection of the will of the electorate.
The declaration sparked jubilation in Gwagwalada, with PDP supporters flooding the streets, chanting solidarity songs, and waving party flags in celebration. As the town remains in a celebratory mood, attention now turns to the opposition’s response, with INEC assuring the public that all due processes were followed during the collation and declaration.
