PDP Wins 18 of 21 Adamawa LG Poll Despite Governor’s Defection to APC
PDP Wins 18 of 21 Adamawa LG Poll Despite Governor’s Defection to APC 
The situation was not different in Demsa Local Government Area, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dennis Kakaba, claimed that voting took place in only eight out of 172 polling units.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged dominant in the Adamawa State local government elections, securing victory in 18 out of the 21 local government areas, according to preliminary results released on Saturday.
The election, however, was marred by widespread voter apathy, absence of election officials in several polling units, and allegations of electoral irregularities from opposition parties.
Reports from across the state indicated that many polling units did not open as scheduled, while in several areas, voters failed to show up entirely. In Girei I Ward, a visit by our correspondent around 11 a.m. revealed no election officials and no voters present. Similarly, in Song Local Government Area, election personnel were sighted in only a few polling units within the township, with no voter participation recorded.
The situation was not different in Demsa Local Government Area, where the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Mr. Dennis Kakaba, claimed that voting took place in only eight out of 172 polling units.
“There is no local government election in Adamawa State. They wrote the results last week and are pretending that an election has taken place. It is a shame for democracy,” Kakaba alleged.
Adding to concerns over low participation, several residents attributed voter apathy to the belief that local government elections are typically predetermined in favour of the ruling party. Poor coordination and the late appearance of election officials in some areas also contributed to the low turnout.
The situation was further worsened by rainfall that began around 1 p.m., which disrupted movement and discouraged voters from coming out.
The Commissioner for Information in Adamawa State, Leader Leneke, however, dismissed claims of manipulation and attributed the PDP’s strong performance to effective campaigning compared to the opposition.
“The PDP governorship candidate and the chairmanship candidates were going out every day for campaigns, but the ruling APC was not doing the same. So, if the PDP wins the election today, it is due to its hard work,” Leneke said.
He also acknowledged that voter apathy was evident, especially in rural communities, where many residents believe local government elections lack competitiveness.
“People in rural areas believe that local government elections are meant for the ruling party in government, so they see no reason to come out and vote,” he added, expressing hope that the outcome might reshape public perception of grassroots elections.
Leneke further explained that Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s absence during the poll was due to his engagement in an official assignment outside the state.
News Week Nigeria (NWN) had previously reported that Governor Fintiri defected from the PDP to the APC in February.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed confidence that the final outcome would be different once the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission releases the official results.
APC Publicity Secretary, Dogo Victor, maintained that the party remained optimistic about victory, urging supporters to await the formal declaration of results.
The election outcome is expected to deepen political debate in the state, particularly over voter engagement, election credibility, and the conduct of local government polls in Nigeria.
