Confusion surrounded the Gwagwalada Area Council chairmanship race on Saturday following the circulation of two conflicting letters purportedly announcing the withdrawal of candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
One of the letters, allegedly signed by APC candidate Yahaya Usman, claimed he had stepped down from the contest in the interest of peace and progress in Gwagwalada.
Moments later, a similar letter surfaced online, purportedly from the PDP candidate, stating he too had withdrawn in favour of his APC rival.
Both letters, dated February 19 and titled “Withdrawal from contesting for chairmanship position of Gwagwalada Area Council FCT election,” carried nearly identical wording, raising suspicion among party supporters and voters.
However, Usman dismissed the claim while speaking after casting his vote at UBE Primary School, Kutunku, insisting he remained in the race and describing the electoral process as peaceful.
Across several polling units visited, voters were seen checking registers while accreditation and voting proceeded smoothly.
At LEA Primary School, Old Kutunku, allegations of vote-buying surfaced, with party agents exchanging accusations.
One of the voters alleged that ballots were being traded for between N500 and N3,000, depending on negotiations.
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