By Muhammad Mamman
Voting had yet to begin at a polling unit in Lugbe, a densely populated suburb of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as electoral activities commenced across the territory on Saturday.
As of the early hours of the morning, voters were seen gathered at the designated polling centre in Lugbe, waiting patiently for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrive with voting materials.
Some residents expressed concern over the delay, noting that while accreditation and voting had reportedly started in other parts of the FCT, there was still no visible electoral presence at the affected polling unit.
“I came here before 8am because I wanted to vote early and return to my business,” one voter told reporters. “We are still waiting. There are no officials or materials yet.”
INEC had earlier assured residents of its readiness to conduct a smooth and credible exercise across the FCT, with sensitive materials deployed to area councils ahead of the poll. However, logistical challenges have often characterised the early hours of elections in parts of the country.
Security personnel were observed stationed around parts of Lugbe to maintain order, although the atmosphere remained calm as voters waited for the process to commence.
The FCT poll is being closely watched, with political parties mobilising supporters in what analysts describe as a significant test of grassroots strength in the nation’s capital.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement regarding the delay at the Lugbe polling unit. Residents say they remain hopeful that voting will begin promptly once officials arrive, urging authorities to ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
