By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s electoral umpire has announced that more than 1.5 million registered voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and are eligible to participate in Saturday’s area council elections.
The disclosure was made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which described the figure as a significant milestone in preparations for the poll.
INEC said the distribution of PVCs across the six area councils of the FCT reflects sustained voter engagement and improved collection rates compared to previous off-cycle elections. The commission urged eligible voters who have collected their cards to turn out peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility.
The elections will be conducted across Abuja, covering the six area councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali—where chairmanship and councillorship positions will be contested.
INEC officials assured residents that sensitive and non-sensitive materials have been deployed to registration area centres, while ad hoc staff have undergone the required training to ensure a smooth exercise. Security agencies have also pledged to maintain law and order before, during and after the poll.
The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, adding that accredited voters will undergo the standard verification process at polling units using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Political observers say the turnout in Saturday’s election will serve as a key test of grassroots political mobilisation in the nation’s capital, especially amid growing public demand for accountable local governance.
INEC called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to adhere strictly to electoral guidelines and avoid acts capable of undermining the credibility of the process.
Voting is expected to begin early Saturday morning across designated polling units in the FCT.
