FCT Council Election: Tension in Gwagwalada as Voter Confesses to Receiving Cash to Vote -

Tension gripped Kutunku Ward in Gwagwalada on Friday as allegations of vote-buying surfaced during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

A voter who spoke openly at a polling unit located within Kutunku I Primary School alleged that individuals linked to the Peoples Democratic Party were distributing cash to influence voters’ choices.

According to the voter, party agents were offering ₦2,000 to voters in exchange for their support.
The voter further claimed that he personally received ₦5,000 from a man he identified as Usman Nga’aha, whom he described as being connected to those allegedly distributing money at the polling unit.

“I had no plan to participate in the election this year. But because of Usman Nga’aha and his people, they made me come here,” the voter said.

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“Usman Nga’aha gave me ₦5,000. If you vote for PDP, they will give you ₦2,000.”
Despite admitting to receiving the money, the voter insisted that his decision at the polls was not influenced by the cash inducement.

“I didn’t say I don’t need their money. I just like them. I just vote for them. I don’t need their money. I just vote. I get joy for them,” he said.

The development heightened tension at the polling unit, as voters and party supporters argued over the allegations.

Some residents expressed concern that the reported inducements could compromise the credibility of the election process in the area.

Vote-buying remains a recurring challenge in Nigerian elections, particularly during area council and local government polls.

Civil society groups and election observers have repeatedly warned that the monetisation of voting undermines democratic values and erodes public confidence in electoral outcomes.