As residents of the Federal Capital Territory cast their votes in the Area Council elections, the bigger question for many is not just who wins, but whether grassroots governance will finally improve.
The six Area Councils remain the closest elected authorities to the people in a territory administered by a presidentially appointed minister. That structure places heavy responsibility on council chairmen and councillors to deliver essential services such as primary healthcare, sanitation, water supply, basic education and local road maintenance, areas where many communities say gaps still exist.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is overseeing voting in 2,822 polling units across 62 wards in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Yet beyond the logistics of the poll lies a deeper test: accountability and service delivery at the grassroots.
The 2022 elections produced a political split, with three councils won by the Peoples Democratic Party and three by the All Progressives Congress. For many residents, however, party control has mattered less than tangible improvements in daily living conditions.
Gender inclusion is another issue drawing attention. Only three women are contesting for chairmanship seats across the six councils, a figure that underscores the persistent under-representation of women in local leadership, despite relatively stronger presence in vice-chairmanship positions.
As voters line up at polling units, expectations remain clear: beyond political victories, residents are demanding functional schools, accessible healthcare, cleaner communities and better roads, practical outcomes that define the real impact of governance at the grassroots.
Late Voting in Orozo
News Scope Africa correspondence observes that the voting is yet to commence in parts of the Federal Capital Territory as confusion over polling unit changes disrupts the electoral proces
Several voters in Orozo, Jikwoyi, and Nyanya report uncertainty about their designated polling units following last-minute adjustments by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Many residents say they arrived at familiar voting points only to discover they had been reassigned, with limited information available on the new locations.
According to our correspondent in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), voting is currently underway with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioning properly.
At Polling Unit 018, Post Office, City Centre, Area 10, voters are being accredited without major delays, and the process is reported to be orderly.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission are on ground, while security personnel are present to maintain peace and ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.
Gwagwalada – Polling Unit 021
At Polling Unit 021, Central Ward, Gwagwalada, voter participation is recording a notably higher turnout compared to Polling Unit 002 within the same ward.
Voter turnout at Polling Unit 021 in Gwagwalada is significantly higher compared to Polling Unit 002 within the same Central Ward, indicating increased voter participation in the area.
Election officials report that the voting exercise has commenced smoothly, with voters being accredited and casting their ballots in an orderly manner at poling unit 021 Venus road.
According to our correspondent in Gwagwalada, only a small number of voters were observed at Polling Unit 039 in Kuje during the early hours of voting, despite the presence of electoral officials and security personnel.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were on ground, with voting materials fully deployed and the accreditation process ongoing at the time of reporting.
Observers have expressed concern over voter turnout, noting that participation remains critical to the credibility of the electoral process and the legitimacy of elected officials.
Meanwhile, voting is also reported to be in progress at Kaida Primary School, Wowo Street, in Kuje, with electoral activities said to be proceeding under security supervision.
Electoral activities at the polling unit are reported to be orderly, with voters turning out to cast their ballots. However, there are reports of alleged vote-buying taking place during the voting process at the polling unit.
Our correspondent says the situation is being closely monitored, as vote-buying remains a violation of electoral guidelines and undermines the credibility of the process.
BWARI- Dutse
Voter apathy and delayed deployment of election officials were recorded in BWARI- Dutse Polling Unit
In Bwari–Dutse, turnout remained low as several residents chose not to participate in the exercise. Our correspondent reports that some voters openly dismissed the process, with one resident saying, “Voting is not our business.” Others were seen playing football in the area during polling hours.
Meanwhile, at the Kubwa FO1 polling unit, located in front of Living Faith Church, voting had not commenced as of the time of filing this report. Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were yet to arrive, leaving early voters waiting.
And also at the Polling Unit 008. Kofar Sarki V, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council
voter turn out to cast their vote.
According to our correspondent in Bwari‑Dutse, voting is currently underway with voters turning out steadily across several polling units. Election officials are reported to be on ground, with accreditation and voting progressing in an orderly manner.
Meanwhile, foreign election observers have been sighted at Usafa Primary School, where they were seen monitoring the voting process. Their presence is aimed at assessing transparency, voter participation, and adherence to electoral procedures.
Linda Chalker Crescent polling unit Asokoro
Our correspondent reports that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission have arrived at the Linda Chalker Crescent polling unit in Asokoro ahead of voting.
As of the time of this report, election materials are on ground, with INEC officials and security personnel already positioned at the polling unit. However, there is no visible turnout of voters yet.
The presence of security officials suggests preparedness for a peaceful exercise, while voting is expected to commence once accreditation procedures are concluded.
Voting remains slow at the Linda Chalker Crescent polling unit, as officials record a very low turnout several hours into the exercise.
According to field reports, the polling unit has 45 registered voters. However, as of the time of filing this report, only two voters both adult males had cast their ballots, reflecting minimal voter participation.
Electoral materials were observed on ground, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were present at the polling unit. With no voters arriving for extended periods, some officials were seen seated and resting while awaiting voters.
No security incidents were reported at the location, and the environment remained calm.
AREA 2 Polling Unit
Commercial activities continued as normal on Saturday at the Area 2 Shopping Complex, despite the ongoing local council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
As observed at the scene, traders and shoppers were actively engaged in buying and selling of food items and household goods, with little indication of voter movement toward nearby polling units. Shops remained open, and traffic around the complex flowed steadily.
The situation reflects a subdued level of civic participation in the area, as many residents appeared to prioritise daily economic activities over voting.
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