FCT Area Council Elections: ZLP Chairman Warns All Votes Must Be Counted Amid Rising Tensions

As Abuja prepares for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on February 21, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all votes are fully counted and the electoral process remains transparent.

Dan Nwanyanwu, Dan Nwanyanwu, the ZLP National Chairman, made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ on Thursday, highlighting growing tensions and shifting alliances ahead of the polls.

“Local Politics Cannot Be Dictated by Noise or Arrogance”

Nwanyanwu noted that some candidates had been persuaded to withdraw and support others, a strategy he described as part of the ongoing political maneuvering in the FCT. He also referenced recent Supreme Court interventions affecting parties, warning against overconfidence.

“FCT residents have a pattern when they vote. They are not persuaded by noise or arrogance,” he said.

The ZLP chairman emphasized that the election is a local political contest and that voters’ choices may differ from national election preferences.

“You may not support the president’s party in this election but in other elections you may support the president. This is local politics,” Nwanyanwu said.

INEC Urged to Test IREV

Nwanyanwu also called on INEC to rigorously test the Independent National Electoral Results Viewing (IREV) system, urging transparency in the tabulation and counting of votes.

“Let me warn that this election, the votes must be counted and INEC should test the IREV,” he said.

He cautioned that public arrogance and attempts to control outcomes would not succeed in Abuja, asserting that residents are capable of independent decision-making.

“Some people think they can determine everything in these elections but they can’t. That can only work outside Abuja,” he added.

The warning comes as political realignments, party withdrawals, and heightened public scrutiny set the stage for one of the most closely watched local elections in the FCT in recent years.