The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room says voting in the 2026 Area Council elections across the Federal Capital Territory has remained largely peaceful, but it has identified late poll openings, alleged vote-buying, and poor access for persons with disabilities as major concerns.
At a midday briefing in Abuja, co-conveners Celestine Odo and Mma Odi said observers, working alongside partner groups such as Kimpact Development Initiative, CLEEN Foundation, and Inclusive Friends Association, monitored the elections through field teams and a citizen reporting app.
Late Poll Openings
Observers reported that many polling units opened around 9:15am on average, delayed by the late arrival of electoral officials and materials from the Independent National Electoral Commission. Some units in Kwali Area Council reportedly opened on schedule, indicating uneven logistics management across the territory.
Early voter turnout in FCT
Early voter turnout was low in parts of Abuja Municipal Area Council, with many residents attending to routine activities. Participation increased later in Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji as queues formed. Observers noted that some voters struggled to locate relocated polling units, citing short notice via INEC text alerts as insufficient for verification.
Technology Performance
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) generally performed efficiently, processing voters in about a minute. However, isolated malfunctions occurred in Gwako, Gwagwalada, and central Abuja.
Security and Conduct
Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were present at most polling units and maintained professional conduct. A few incidents of intimidation were reported in Rubochi (Kuje), Ebagi, and Abaji. In Gwako, Gwagwalada, security intervened when a voter arrived carrying a cutlass.
Vote-Buying and Party Conduct
Observers reported vote-buying in several locations, including parts of Gidan Mangoro Ward in AMAC, where payments reportedly reached ₦10,000 per vote. At Kayada Primary School in Kuje, a party agent was seen wearing both a party tag and an INEC Assistant Presiding Officer jacket, raising concerns over neutrality.
Disability Access Concerns
The coalition highlighted limited support for persons with disabilities. While Form EC30E for deaf voters was available in some units, braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses were largely missing. In Karimajiji, a known disability settlement, no assistive materials were provided.
Call to Stakeholders
Despite these challenges, the Situation Room commended INEC’s FCT help desk for promptly addressing complaints.
“Peace has held so far, but electoral integrity depends on addressing these issues before results are finalised.” the group advised
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