Accreditation and voting commenced on schedule across several polling units in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, but the exercise recorded a noticeably low voter turnout.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that electoral officials and materials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) arrived early at most polling units, enabling a timely start to the exercise. Officials were sighted at various locations as early as 7:30 a.m.
Polling units visited included 035 behind the Secretariat, 030 at Kauna Plaza, and units 003, 004, 026, and 032 at Kayarda Primary School.
Party agents from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and the African Democratic Congress were present to monitor the process.
Despite the early deployment of materials, turnout remained low at several centres. At Polling Unit 030 in Kauna Plaza, voters were seen waiting intermittently, with some leaving the premises.
Speaking with NAN, the APC agent at the unit, Mr. Abraham Silas, attributed the low turnout to issues with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). He explained that voters were informed the device would begin functioning fully by 10 a.m., prompting some to leave and return later.
“The BVAS was not operational immediately, and voters were asked to wait until 10 a.m. Some decided to go home and return later,” Silas said.
However, the PDP agent, Mr. Ado Shekwolo, expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements, noting that the environment remained calm and orderly. He expressed hope that the election would be peaceful and credible.
A voter, Mr. Dauda Attah, said he was optimistic about casting his vote for his preferred candidate and described the atmosphere as peaceful. He also linked the low turnout to the delayed configuration of the BVAS.
At Polling Unit 003 in Kayarda Primary School, voter Hajiya Fatimah Adeoye voiced concern over the sparse turnout. Meanwhile, APC agent Mr. Sani Mohammed suggested that the situation reflected a broader pattern of limited interest in local council elections.
“Voters often show less enthusiasm for council elections compared to national polls,” he said.
Earlier, the Assistant Presiding Officer at Kauna Plaza, Mrs. Jamila Sabo, confirmed that electoral materials arrived on time and reported no security challenges at the unit.
As voting continues, stakeholders are hopeful that turnout may improve later in the day.
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