“ADC Put Up a Show in Abuja and Got Nothing” — Reuben Abati

Dr. Reuben Abati has said the African Democratic Congress failed to translate its campaign efforts into electoral gains in the recent area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati said the results in Abuja show that the contests have largely been decided, urging political parties to reassess their strategies ahead of future elections.

“It looks like in Abuja the vote has been won and lost,” he said. “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.”

Abati noted that while some parties are celebrating victories, the broader picture suggests a need for political realignment and strategic review.

Commenting on developments in Kano State, he observed that the All Progressives Congress won two by-elections. According to him, the outcome indicates that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has demonstrated the capacity to mobilise support in the state.

“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,” Abati said.

He, however, predicted that the 2027 general elections could witness a wave of litigation. Abati pointed to early signals from candidates who have indicated plans to challenge results in court.

“Already the People’s Democratic Party is jubilating that this is evidence of the resurgence of the PDP,” he said, referencing claims by the People’s Democratic Party that it secured victories in Gwagwalada, Kuje and two local councils in the FCT.

He added that a candidate in the Abuja Municipal Area Council has announced plans to contest the outcome legally.

“There will be a lot of litigation,” Abati said. “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.”

Abati concluded that while the immediate results are clear, the political implications for future elections remain uncertain.