By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, held on Saturday, recorded a moderate voter turnout, with party agents and supervisors commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the smooth conduct of the polls.
At Polling Unit 020 in the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Estate along Nyanya–Karu, Abuja Municipal Area Council, voters turned out in higher numbers compared to other polling units visited by our correspondent.
The atmosphere at the polling unit remained peaceful, with security personnel, party agents, and voters present without any reports of intimidation or disruption. Supervisors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), covering Nyanya, Karu, Jikowyi, and Karshi, praised INEC for its organization and conduct of the election.
APC agent, Cydley Diala, described the turnout as average but expressed optimism that more voters would arrive before the close of voting. “People are coming out in large numbers, albeit slowly. But this is very serious and very important. I am encouraged, people are coming and casting their votes,” he said.
Diala added that some voters who could not find their names on the list were directed to another location to check and were able to vote once they did. He noted that the process had been completely peaceful, with INEC officials being very organized and no disturbances reported.
ADC Supervisor, Prince Favor, who visited multiple polling units including in Karshi, also rated the conduct of the election positively. “I am coming from Karshi, and I have visited no fewer than 25 polling units. In some places, there are many people; in others, the turnout is sparse. At this particular polling unit, the turnout and activity are unlike what I have seen elsewhere,” he said.
Prince Favor gave INEC officials and security personnel a pass for their performance, noting that challenges related more to parties involved in the election rather than INEC or police conduct. “Overall, we have recorded an average turnout, which is better than in other locations,” he added.
The election, which took place across various polling units in the FCT, saw voters lining up to cast their ballots in a process described as peaceful and well-organized. Security personnel were present at polling units to maintain order and ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The commendation from party agents and supervisors comes as a boost to INEC’s efforts in conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. The commission has been working to improve the electoral process, and the smooth conduct of the FCT council poll is seen as a positive step.
Voters at Polling Unit 020 in FHA along Nyanya/Karu expressed satisfaction with the process, with many commending INEC for its organization. The peaceful nature of the election was also noted, with no reports of violence or disruption.
The FCT Area Council elections are part of Nigeria’s ongoing democratic process, with elections held at various levels to choose representatives for different arms of government. The successful conduct of the poll is expected to contribute to the growth and development of democracy in the country.
