Residents of the nation’s capital on Saturday trooped out to vote for chairmen and councillors in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with security agencies deployed across polling units to ensure a peaceful exercise.
According to live report by Channels Television Movement within parts of the territory was restricted as police and other security operatives maintained heavy presence at strategic locations to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the polls.
However in Dakwa and DeiDei axis Pinnacle Daily observed that activities are ongoing despite restrictions as motorists, business owners and residents were seen carrying out their daily activities.
Unlike state local government elections conducted by state electoral bodies, the FCT council poll is handled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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The commission had disclosed ahead of the exercise that over 1.5 million registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the election.
Late Commencement of Voting in Dakwa Babachikuri Area Poling Unit, Kubwa Bwari
At Dakwa Babachikuri Area in Bwari Area Council, polling materials reportedly arrived at about 8:40 a.m., but voting did not commence until 10:24 a.m. as officials completed preliminary arrangements.
Some voters were seen checking the voters Accredited lists to confirm that their names were correctly listed at the polling unit before accreditation began.
Pinnacle Daily observed that security operatives were on ground at Dakwa Babachikuri Area polling unit, Kubwa, Bwari while voters patiently waited to cast their ballots.
Women Outnumber Men at Polling Unit in Efab Estate Dakwa, Kubwa
Women voters turned out in large numbers at a polling unit in Efab Estate Dakwa, within the Kubwa axis of the Federal Capital Territory, as the area council elections progressed under heavy security presence.
Pinnacle Daily observed that women, both young and elderly, dominated the queue, with some nursing mothers also present to exercise their civic rights. Despite the large turnout, voters maintained calm and orderliness throughout the process.
Security operatives were stationed around the polling unit to ensure a peaceful exercise, while electoral officials conducted accreditation and voting without disruption.
Residents commended the orderly conduct of voters, noting that the peaceful atmosphere encouraged participation and reduced tension at the polling centre.
INEC officials arrived at the polling unit as early as 7:00 a.m., with accreditation and voting commencing around 8:35 a.m. Voting was ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
Speaking with Pinnacle Daily, a Presiding Officer, Okoro Gospel Obinna, said the exercise was progressing smoothly, noting the enthusiasm of voters to participate in the democratic process.
“There is strong interest among voters, and the process has been orderly so far,” he said.
A voter, Usman Idris, expressed confidence in the credibility of the exercise, stating that he believed his vote would count.
Limited Party Presence on Ballot
Checks by Pinnacle Daily showed that only 10 political parties appeared on the ballot papers at the polling units visited, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), among others.
As voting continues across the FCT, residents remain optimistic that the exercise will be credible and reflect the will of the electorate.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
