Residents in parts of Adamawa State have raised serious concerns over the conduct of the June 13 local government elections. They allege that despite the eventual announcement of results, voting did not take place in several polling units, leading to accusations of disenfranchisement and lack of credibility.
Controversy Trails Adamawa LG Elections
The complaints emerged from communities in Demsa, Yola North, and Numan Local Government Areas. Voters claimed that electoral officials and materials did not arrive in some wards, while in others, access to voting was severely restricted. In Numan Local Government Area, the election was reportedly suspended and rescheduled for June 15, following concerns over insufficient electoral materials and operational challenges.
Residents Allege Limited Voting in Demsa and Yola North
In Demsa Local Government Area, some residents alleged that voting was only conducted in a limited number of polling units. One resident, Mr. Altam, stated he was unable to vote in Dilli Ward. He said, "I am presently standing at my polling unit in Dilli Ward, but nothing is going on. No electoral officials, no electoral materials. I didn't exercise my right to vote as a Nigerian citizen because someone will be imposed at the end of the day who might not be my candidate."
Another resident, Bala Mohammed, alleged that voting was restricted to selected areas within the local government. He claimed, "It is only in some parts of the community that voting took place in Demsa Local Government Area. Only about 8 units out of 21 units were used. They brought 100 ballot papers for a community of 500 voters, and expect us to believe that an election was conducted. That is lack of transparency."
In Yola North Local Government Area, another resident, Hanisu, also alleged that electoral officials did not show up in several polling units. He expressed frustration, saying, "I came to the polling unit, and nothing is happening here. They selected a few units of their choice and conducted the election there, but we, the masses, didn't get the opportunity to vote for our candidate of choice. It is so unfair, because I know my candidate as a grassroots politician who has been of help to us in our community."
Residents Decry Alleged Disenfranchisement in Yola North
Similarly, Godwin Ishaya described the situation as frustrating. He said some residents waited at polling units despite adverse weather conditions. "I am still waiting here despite the rain because I need to see the end of what Nigeria is referring to as democracy. I see no reason why only 5 few units in a local government of about 15 wards will cast their votes, and at the end of the day, an individual's name will be announced as the winner without the consent of the masses whom he will rule as their leader," Ishaya expressed at the polling unit in Yola North.
Another resident from Nasarawo community in Yola North, Isa, expressed concern over the credibility of the process: "All I can say is that Nigeria has failed us; we are no longer practicing democracy but imposition. We no longer have a voice that will be heard because politics has engulfed the minds of our leaders who only care about themselves and families, not the masses."
Official Responses and Broader Implications
Official responses from the electoral authorities and political parties involved were not immediately available at the time of filing this report. However, the election outcome across Adamawa State has continued to generate discussions among political actors and residents, particularly over concerns raised about access to voting in some areas.
In related news, results from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) local government elections began emerging across most polling units. Residents in the six area councils—AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji—voted for 68 positions, with 637 candidates from 17 political parties contesting the polls.
