Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) failed to convert its campaign efforts into victories in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections. Speaking on Monday on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Abati noted that the results indicate most contests have already been decided, urging political parties to reassess their strategies ahead of future polls.
Commenting on Kano State, Abati highlighted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won two by-elections, reflecting what appears to be Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s political strength. However, he warned that the 2027 general elections could see widespread litigation, with some candidates already indicating plans to challenge results in court.
Abati also expressed skepticism that recent electoral reforms would significantly address malpractice, curb the influence of money in politics, or eliminate irregularities, suggesting that challenges are likely to persist in future elections.
Abati said: “It looks like in Abuja the vote has been won and lost. In Kano, APC won in the two by-elections, which will indicate that Governor Abba Yusuf, on the surface of it, has shown that he too can deliver the APC in Kano state.
“But generally, we have also seen that there may be a lot of litigations in 2027.
“Already the People’s Democratic Party is jubilating that, “oh, this is evidence of the resurgence of the PDP”. It is also saying that it won not just in Gwagwalada, it won in Kuje and also two local councils. and Dr Paul, I think that’s his name, Amos Paul, who is a candidate for the Abuja Municipal Council, said he’s going to go to court.
“So there will be a lot of litigation. If anyone thought that electoral 2026 will simplify and reduce rigging, reduce the influence of money and all of that, well that will be too much to hope for.
“We just hope that all the stakeholders, including the ADC that put up shows in Abuja and got nothing will learn from this and all the parties will restrategize. What that will imply in the future is something we cannot say.”