ABUJA — Joshua Ishaku triumphed in the Bwari Area Council chairmanship race, pulling in 18,466 votes to claim the seat for the All Progressives Congress. Returning Officer Mohammed Nurudeen announced the results late Saturday, confirming Ishaku met all legal requirements for the post.

Nurudeen, speaking at the collation center, detailed the tallies from the 10 wards: Igu, Shere, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Kubwa, Usuma, Bwari Central and Kawu. Ishaku’s margin proved decisive over his challengers.

The African Democratic Congress candidate managed 4,254 votes for second place. Zenith Labour Party’s contender followed with 3,515 votes. No other parties broke into the top three, according to the official count.

INEC conducted the polls across the Federal Capital Territory’s Bwari council amid tight security. Officials reported smooth voting in most areas, though turnout figures remain pending release. Ishaku’s win bolsters APC control in the region.

Supporters gathered outside the collation venue as Nurudeen read the final numbers. Ishaku, addressing the crowd briefly, pledged to deliver infrastructure and security improvements. “This victory belongs to the people of Bwari,” he said.

The election forms part of local polls in the FCT, testing party strength ahead of national contests. APC candidates dominated several races, but opposition voices pushed for transparency throughout counting.

Nurudeen emphasized the process’s credibility. “All votes were verified, and agents from contending parties signed off on the sheets,” he told reporters. INEC has yet to issue a full breakdown by ward, but preliminary data shows Ishaku’s lead consistent across urban and rural polling units.

Bwari Area Council, home to over 200,000 residents, faces challenges like water shortages and youth unemployment. Ishaku, a local politician with prior council experience, campaigned on job creation and road repairs. His opponent from ADC focused on agricultural support, while ZLP stressed education access.

Voters turned out in Kubwa and Bwari Central wards in highest numbers, sources close to INEC said. Remote areas like Ushafa and Usuma saw lighter participation due to rain, but no major disruptions occurred.

The declaration caps a week of campaigning marked by rallies and door-to-door outreach. Ishaku will assume office next month, joining other newly elected chairs in the FCT’s six area councils.