Live Update: FCT Residents Vote Across Six Area Councils

By Julian Osamoto

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, went to the polls to elect chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils,  the closest level of government to people in the capital.

Unlike in the states where they are called local government elections, the FCT vote is known as Area Council polls because the territory is run by a minister appointed by the President. The councils handle everyday services like water, sanitation, primary healthcare, basic education and local roads.

The Independent National Electoral Commission is conducting the election in 2,822 polling units across 62 wards in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The last poll in 2022 ended evenly, with three councils won by the Peoples Democratic Party and three by the All Progressives Congress.

Women remain under-represented, with only three female chairmanship candidates across the six councils, though more women are contesting as vice-chairmanship running mates.

Across markets, streets and communities, residents say they hope the new leaders will deliver better services and real change at the grassroots.

AMAC

At 8:12 AM: Polling units at schools in Jikwoyi are setting up, with residents checking the voter list to locate their names as preparations get underway.

INEC staff are already set for the election at Polling Unit 046– Sagwari/Sagwari Pri. School Makarata 1. Bwari Area Council.

In Karu, Orozo, Kurudu, Kpyegyi, Jikwoyi, and Nyanya, voter turnout has been notably low. Democracy Radio correspondents report that several residents expressed frustration over being unable to locate their names on the Independent National Electoral Commission voter lists.

At CBN hospital in Garki, there was very low turn out of voters. Meanwhile, at Post office city center area 10 polling unit 018, the BVAS are working perfectly and voting has commenced.

At area 2 shopping complex, the people are seen going about their businesses, buying and selling their goods

Gwagwalada Area Council

Democracy Radio Correspondent who is observing the election report that at Polling Unit 002, L.G.E.A. Primary School, Dagiri, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Independent National Electoral Commission officials arrived around 8:00 AM with sensitive and non-sensitive election materials. Party agents and voters are already on site, preparing to cast their ballots.

Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies are deployed to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process.

Meanwhile, voter turnout is already impressive at Polling Unit 002, L.G.E.A. Primary School, Dagiri, Gwagwalada. Residents are currently verifying their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at the validation points, signaling that voting is set to begin shortly.

Kuje Area Council

Low turnout of voters at Kuje polling unit 039

Bwari Area Council

Democracy Radio correspondents report mixed voter turnout across Bwari Area Council. Some polling units are seen having relatively high participation, while others remain sparse, with isolated reports of vote trading.

By 9:00 AM, Independent National Electoral Commission officials and security personnel, including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, were present at several units, signaling that voting was about to commence.

At 9:15 AM, Dutse Makaranta polling unit had officials and security on site, but very few voters. No local or international observers were present except for Democracy Radio correspondents.

As of 9:28 AM, voting is yet to commence at L.E.A. Primary School, Chikakore. At Kubwa Fo1 polling unit, a resident expressed disappointment to correspondents over the absence of INEC

At LEA primary school Chikakore, turnout was a bit encouraging. Polling Unit 008. Kofar Sarki V, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council.

Voting Trading ongoing 

 

Also at Kaida Primary school wowo street Kuje, Democracy Radio observed cases of vote trading