FCT Area Council polls begin amid late openings, low early turnout – Civil Society observers

Michael Olumide

2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections commenced on a generally peaceful note, though civil society observers noted challenges ranging from late opening of polling units to incidents of vote buying and limited accessibility for persons with disabilities.

According to the Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mma Odi, and Co-Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Celestine Odo, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, which deployed observers and an election reporting app, monitored the polls across the FCT, alongside partner organizations including Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), CLEEN Foundation, and Inclusive Friends Association.

According to the Situation Room, while voting began on a positive note, several polling units experienced delayed openings, averaging around 9:15am, due to late arrival of INEC personnel and electoral materials. Areas like Kwali were exceptions, where voting commenced on time.

Early turnout was slow, particularly in AMAC, as residents continued with daily routines. Voters in Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji gradually formed queues later in the day. Some voters faced challenges locating polling units after INEC relocated them with little notice, despite receiving text notifications the night before.

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) largely functioned efficiently, with a one-minute average accreditation per voter. However, minor malfunctions were reported in Gwako town, Gwagwalada, and at PU143 Open Space, City Centre, Abuja.

Election security was widely commended. Observers reported the presence of police, civil defence, immigration, and fire service personnel across polling units.

Security officials were described as professional and courteous, effectively managing isolated incidents such as intimidation and a voter attempting to enter a polling unit with a cutlass in Gwagwalada.

The conduct of party agents was also monitored. While not all parties were represented uniformly across polling units, observers noted instances of confusion, including a party agent at PU026, Kayada Primary School, Kuje, wearing both a party tag and an INEC Assistant Presiding Officer jacket.

Vote buying was reported in several polling units. In Gidan Mangoro Ward of AMAC, voters were observed exchanging votes for as much as ₦10,000, while in other locations the practice was more discreet.

Accessibility for persons with disabilities remains a concern. Assistive materials such as braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses were largely absent, including at Karimajiji, a disability colony. Although Form EC30E for the deaf was present in most units, some voters were unable to access them.

The Situation Room commended the INEC FCT Help Desk for promptly addressing issues brought to their attention. Observers called on all stakeholders to maintain calm, and urged security agencies to sustain their professionalism as the elections progress toward the close of polls and collation.