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FCT Area Council Polls: ADC takes early lead in Kubwa Polling Units 

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken an early lead in the chairmanship race at polling units in Kubwa, Bwari Area Council, as results from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election begin to emerge.

Collated results announced by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from four polling units located at LEA Primary School, Kubwa II, indicate that the ADC is ahead of other contenders.

The contest in Bwari Area Council is largely between the ADC and the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the last-minute withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in support of the APC flag bearer.

So far, the ADC has secured a total of 67 votes across the four polling units, while the APC trails with 40 votes. The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) polled 21 votes, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) garnered 20 votes.

However, the exercise has been characterized by low voter turnout and reports of vote buying.

Out of 4,063 registered voters at the polling center, only 181 voters were accredited and cast their ballots.

Breakdown of Results

Polling Unit 044 – Chairmanship

Accord – 1

APC – 7

ADC – 20

APGA – 3

PDP – 1

Total registered voters – 755

Accredited voters/Total votes cast – 32

Councillorship (Unit 044)

Accord – 1

ADC – 14

APC – 4

APGA – 3

PDP – 4

SDP – 1

YPP – 2ZLP – 3

Total votes cast – 32

 

Polling Unit 045 – Chairmanship

APC – 11

ADC – 13

ZLP – 3

APGA – 3

PDP – 2

Accord – 1

Action Alliance – 1

Total registered voters – 747

Accredited voters/Total votes cast – 34

Councillorship (Unit 045)

APC – 10

ADC – 10

ZLP – 5

PDP – 4

APGA – 2

YPP – 2

Accord – 1

Polling Unit 047 – Chairmanship

ADC – 15

ZLP – 5

APC – 2

PDP – 2

APGA – 4

SDP – 2

Invalid votes – 2

Councillorship (Unit 047)

ADC – 12

ZLP – 10

PDP – 3

APGA – 4

YPP – 1

APC – 0

Invalid votes – 2

 

Polling Unit 006 – Chairmanship

APC – 20

ADC – 19

ZLP – 13

APGA – 10

PDP – 8

Accord – 5

SDP – 2

ADP – 1

Councillorship (Unit 006)

APC – 20

ZLP – 16

YPP – 12

APGA – 9

ADC – 8

Accord – 6

ADP – 1

SDP – 1

 

FCT election results: INEC IREV not working- Obidient Movement alerts Nigerians

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The Obidient Movement has called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to remain vigilant over alleged irregularities with the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal amid the ongoing area council elections.

 

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, the group claimed that the IReV server is active but is not reflecting results said to have been successfully uploaded from several polling units.

 

Tanko urged supporters and other residents to closely monitor the collation process, encouraging them to peacefully observe proceedings at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in Area 10 and Karu.

 

According to him, “Information reaching us indicates that the IReV server is active but not displaying results that were reportedly uploaded successfully from various polling units.

 

“All Obidients and Nigerians are therefore encouraged to remain alert and vigilant. If necessary, we urge everyone to peacefully proceed to the Area 10 INEC office and Karu for the collation process and observe developments closely.

 

“Ensure that you have the accurate results from your respective polling units for proper verification.

 

“Let us remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process through peaceful and lawful means. Arise and shine, Nigeria—for a New Nigeria is Possible.”

 

The group emphasized the need for calm and lawful conduct while safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.

FCT election: Yiaga Africa reveals major setbacks with polls

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Yiaga Africa has released its preliminary report on the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections held on Saturday, highlighting low voter turnout and logistical shortcomings despite a largely peaceful process.

Nigerian Newssphere reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission conducted elections for Chairmanship positions across the six Area Councils of the FCT and 62 Councillorship seats.

Yiaga Africa said it deployed trained and accredited roving observers across the 62 wards of the FCT to systematically monitor the exercise. According to the group, its observers were on the ground as early as 7:30 a.m., covering key stages of the process, including opening procedures, accreditation, voting, and counting.

The organization noted that voting took place in a generally calm atmosphere, with voters who turned up allowed to cast their ballots without widespread disruption. However, it observed that turnout was generally low across most polling units.

The group also reported that logistical challenges delayed the commencement of voting in several locations, particularly within the Abuja Municipal Area Council. In areas such as Wuse and Gwarinpa wards, polling units reportedly opened behind schedule, with accreditation and voting in many instances beginning around 10:00 a.m. instead of the stipulated time.

As of 9:00 a.m., Yiaga Africa said setup activities were still ongoing in many polling units observed, indicating that preparatory procedures were not completed within the timeframe prescribed by electoral guidelines.

While essential materials such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices and voter registers were generally deployed, the group cited isolated cases of lapses. In Polling Unit 004, Wuse Ward, Zone 2 Primary School, the voter register was initially unavailable and only produced after concerns were raised by observers and voters. Voting cubicles were also reportedly absent in some polling units in Abaji Area Council, and an ink pad required for voting was missing in one location.

Yiaga Africa further raised concerns over the relocation of certain polling units and inadequate communication to voters. Although INEC reportedly sent SMS notifications to affected voters, many messages were delivered on Election Day, sometimes hours after polling had commenced. The development caused confusion, with some voters spending extended periods trying to identify their designated polling units.

The report also highlighted disparities in voter distribution within the same polling locations, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Commission’s polling unit expansion and voter redistribution framework.

 

Observers documented instances where some polling units closed before the official 2:30 p.m. deadline, contrary to guidelines requiring units to remain open until the stipulated time or until the last person on the queue has voted.

FCT election results: APC, APGA sweep Dawaki Polling Units ahead of ADC, PDP 

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have emerged victorious over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in five polling units in Dawaki/LEA Primary School, Bwari Area Council, during Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory elections.

 

Results collated from Polling Units 067, 004, 072, 069, and 068 show that APC secured wins in the chairmanship contest, while APGA dominated the councillorship race across the affected polling units.

 

Despite the competitive races, voter turnout was generally low. Counting of ballots commenced at about 2:45pm across the polling units.

 

At PU 067, APGA led the councillorship vote with 27 ballots, while APC and APGA recorded 11 votes each in the chairmanship contest.

 

In PU 004, APGA scored 84 votes to top the councillorship category, while APC clinched the chairmanship seat with 81 votes. The polling unit has 2,854 registered voters.

 

PU 069 saw APGA secure 25 votes in the councillorship race, while APC narrowly edged other parties with 14 votes in the chairmanship category. The unit has 745 registered voters.

 

At PU 068, APGA recorded 36 votes in the councillorship election and 23 votes in the chairmanship race. The unit has 787 registered voters, with 58 accredited voters.

 

In PU 072, APC polled 19 votes to win the chairmanship contest, while the councillorship votes were closely split, with APC and APGA recording 10 and nine votes, respectively. The unit has 416 registered voters and 34 accredited voters.

 

Overall, the results reflect APC’s strength in the chairmanship race and APGA’s dominance at the councillorship level in the Dawaki polling units.

Naira suffers sharpest depreciation against US dollar

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The naira recorded its steepest single-day depreciation against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Friday, closing the week on a negative trajectory.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the local currency weakened to N1,346.32 per dollar on Friday, compared to N1,341.35 traded the previous day. This represents a day-on-day decline of N4.97—the sharpest drop since the naira resumed its downward trend on Wednesday.

 

Since midweek, the currency has depreciated by N10.36 at the official market.

 

On a week-on-week basis, the naira also posted losses, weakening by 9.0 when compared to the N1,355.42 exchange rate recorded last Friday.

 

In contrast, the parallel market saw a strong performance during the week. The naira appreciated significantly to close at N1,317 per dollar, improving from N1,440 traded the previous week—a substantial gain of N123 on a week-on-week basis.

 

Meanwhile, figures from the apex bank indicated that Nigeria’s external reserves stood at $48.50 billion as of February 17, 2026.

EPL: Four matches that could produce surprise results

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The English Premier League heads into Matchweek 27 this weekend with several high-stakes encounters on the cards.

The standout clash is the North London Derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. With Spurs battling to steer clear of relegation trouble and Mikel Arteta’s side pushing to stay in the title race, the derby carries significant implications at both ends of the table.

 

However, beyond that headline fixture, a number of other games could spring unexpected results.

 

Here are four matches that may deliver upsets:

 

1. Chelsea vs. Burnley

 

Chelsea will be eager to avoid another slip-up at Stamford Bridge after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw against Leeds United in their last home outing.

 

Burnley, meanwhile, arrive in a confident mood following a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace. Having already stunned one London side, Burnley could pose serious problems again.

 

2. Manchester City vs. Newcastle

 

History has not favored Newcastle United in this fixture, with the Magpies losing 18 and drawing just two of their last 20 visits to the Etihad.

 

But this weekend may offer a different narrative. Manchester City will be wary of a response from Eddie Howe’s men, who are determined to avoid a third straight defeat to City across competitions.

 

3. Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool

 

Liverpool edged a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Sunderland last time out, handing the Black Cats their first home defeat of the season. Now they head to the City Ground to face a rejuvenated Nottingham Forest side under new manager Vitor Pereira.

 

Forest recently impressed with a 3-0 Europa League triumph over Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and the renewed momentum in their squad could make this a tricky assignment for the Reds.

 

4. Everton vs. Manchester United

 

Manchester United saw their momentum slowed by a 1-1 draw at West Ham United, exposing potential tactical vulnerabilities.

 

Everton, solid at home this season, will look to capitalize when they host United on Monday night in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

 

With pressure mounting across the table, Matchweek 27 could yet deliver a few unexpected twists.

‘A call to connect’—Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson speaks after political appointment 

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Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson has been appointed Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo.

The actress announced the development on Friday through a post on her Instagram story, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

 

In a statement dated February 19 and signed by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, the appointment was described as part of the administration’s resolve to deepen citizens’ participation in government policies and programs.

Reacting to her new role, Johnson said she accepted the responsibility with humility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the governor’s agenda. She thanked Governor Okpebholo for the confidence reposed in her, describing the appointment as a call to connect with the people, listen to their concerns, and advocate purposefully on their behalf.

“A call to connect, listen, and advocate with purpose.”

 

 

NLC, GenCos clash over N6.5 trillion power debt as blackouts worsen nationwide

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) are locked in a heated dispute over the Federal Government’s legacy debt to electricity generation companies, even as Nigerians grapple with persistent blackouts.

NLC President Joe Ajaero has criticized the Federal Government’s reported plan to pay N3 trillion from the Federation Account to GenCos as part-settlement of an outstanding N6.5 trillion power sector debt.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ajaero described the proposed payment and the debt figure as a “heist” and “grand deception,” alleging that it is an attempt to shortchange Nigerians.

 

“Nigerians cannot and should not continue to pay for darkness,” he declared, insisting that citizens should not bear the burden of inefficiencies in the power sector.

 

Responding, Chief Executive Officer of APGC, Joy Ogaji, said the labor leader may not fully understand the gravity of the situation. She maintained that the Federal Government’s indebtedness to GenCos stands at N6.5 trillion and warned that failure to address the liability could cripple electricity generation nationwide.

 

Ogaji also argued that the Federal Government’s N501 billion power sector bond issuance falls far short of what is required to offset the accumulated debt, cautioning that continued delays could trigger a major collapse in the country’s power supply.

 

While both parties trade accusations, electricity consumers across the country continue to endure outages. On Thursday, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company announced disruptions following a partial national grid collapse that plunged parts of the Southeast into darkness.

 

Similarly, the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company confirmed a scheduled power outage in parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Friday.

 

The ongoing dispute over legacy debts comes at a time when many Nigerians remain frustrated by erratic electricity supply, raising fresh concerns about the stability of the nation’s power sector.

FCT election: AEDC announces outage in Abuja

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The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has notified residents of Gwarinpa, Dawaki, News Engineering, France Engineering, Charley Boy, and nearby communities of a planned power outage.

In a statement issued on Friday, the distribution company explained that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will undertake maintenance on the 60 MVA Transformer TR1 at the Katampe Transmission Substation on Saturday, February 21, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

According to AEDC, the scheduled exercise is part of ongoing measures aimed at improving service reliability and strengthening electricity supply to the affected areas.

The company appealed to customers for understanding and apologized for the inconvenience the temporary disruption may cause.

The development coincides with Federal Capital Territory elections being conducted on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory declared Friday a public holiday, while the police also announced a curfew across the nation’s capital ahead of the election.

Police arrests Tiktoker Mirabel over false rape claim

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The Ogun State Police Command has taken a popular TikTok personality, Mirabel, into custody as investigations continue into claims that she may have fabricated a sexual assault incident that recently went viral on social media.

Confirming the development on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the influencer is being questioned as authorities seek to establish the authenticity of her initial complaint.

 

“She is with us now, and the investigation is ongoing,” Babaseyi stated.

 

Asked whether she could face prosecution for allegedly filing a false report, the police spokesperson said any decision would depend strictly on the outcome of the investigation.

 

“The facts will tell at the conclusion of our investigation so we can get to a logical conclusion on whether those allegations were true or not,” he added.

 

The controversy began after Mirabel, known on TikTok as @mirab351, shared a series of emotional videos alleging that an unidentified person broke into her residence on February 15 and sexually assaulted her. She further claimed that the suspect boasted of having influential family connections that would shield him from prosecution.

 

However, days later, during a conversation with social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), Mirabel admitted she had been under the influence of drugs at the time of the alleged incident and may have experienced hallucinations, raising questions about the credibility of her earlier claims.

 

Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the true circumstances surrounding the matter.

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