Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has said the African Democratic Congress, ADC, failed to translate its campaign efforts into electoral success in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, area council elections.
Abati made the remarks on Monday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show.
He said the outcome of the elections in Abuja shows that the contests have largely been decided, noting that political parties must begin to reassess their strategies ahead of future polls.
Commenting on developments in Kano State, Abati stated that the All Progressives Congress, APC, won two by-elections, which, on the surface, suggests that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated political strength in the state.
He, however, predicted that the 2027 general elections could witness widespread litigation. According to him, some candidates have already indicated their intention to challenge the results in court.
The former presidential aide expressed doubts that recent electoral reforms would significantly curb malpractice, reduce the influence of money, or eliminate irregularities 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.”