(DDM) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not meet its scheduled 8:30 a.m. commencement time for voting in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections on Saturday, as sensitive election materials were still at the Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Lugbe several minutes before 9:00 a.m.
INEC had earlier assured residents and stakeholders that voting would begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. across polling units in the FCT. However, observations from Lugbe indicated that electoral officials were yet to dispatch sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, to designated polling units as of the expected start time.
At the Lugbe RAC Centre located at LEA Primary School, security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies assigned to election duties, were seen organizing themselves and coordinating logistics. The delay in the movement of materials raised concerns among voters who had arrived early in anticipation of participating in the electoral process.
A video captured at the RAC showed the Supervisor of the Lugbe centre explaining that officials were still working to finalize arrangements to ensure the safe and orderly distribution of sensitive materials. According to him, steps were being taken to address logistical challenges and guarantee that materials reach the appropriate polling units securely.
As of the time of reporting, there were indications that voting might not commence before 10:00 a.m. in several polling units within the Lugbe area, contrary to the 8:30 a.m. timeline previously communicated by the electoral body. The delay has the potential to disrupt the voting schedule, particularly if the late arrival of materials leads to extended accreditation and voting hours.
Residents expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some voters remained patient and hopeful that the process would soon begin, others voiced frustration over the delay, emphasizing the importance of timely commencement to ensure credibility and efficiency in the electoral process.
The FCT Area Council elections are considered significant in shaping local governance within the nation’s capital territory. As such, adherence to announced timelines is often viewed as a measure of the preparedness and organizational capacity of the electoral body.
INEC had earlier reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election. However, the early morning delay in Lugbe underscores the logistical complexities often associated with large-scale electoral exercises.
As the day progresses, attention remains focused on whether the situation will be promptly resolved and whether similar delays are occurring in other parts of the FCT. INEC is yet to release an official statement explaining the cause of the setback at the Lugbe RAC Centre.
