Voting has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as residents head to the polls to elect chairmen and councillors in the six Area Councils.
Unlike elections conducted in Nigeria’s 36 states where state electoral bodies oversee local government polls, the FCT council elections are organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
As of early Saturday morning, polling units in several locations had begun setting up, with INEC ad hoc staff seen arranging materials and preparing for accreditation of voters.
At about 8:09 am, the final vehicle transporting sensitive materials departed the Registration Area Centre (RAC) for designated polling units.
Shortly after, by 8:12 am, officials were already putting finishing touches in some school premises serving as voting centres.
By 9:21 am, voting had commenced in parts of the territory, with voters queuing to cast their ballots.
Security presence, movement restriction
Police personnel and other security agencies were deployed across the FCT to maintain order.
Authorities had earlier announced a 12-hour restriction of movement to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
The FCT comprises six Area Councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Abaji, and Kwali — which serve as the grassroots administrative units of the capital territory.
INEC had disclosed ahead of the polls that over 1.5 million registered voters collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), raising expectations of significant turnout.
Election observers and journalists are monitoring developments across the councils, with updates expected throughout the day as voting progresses.
