FCT Polls: Heavy Security, Low Turnout As Distribution Of Election Materials Begins In Lugbe Polling Station

The distribution of election materials commenced on Saturday morning at the Berger polling unit in Lugbe, Kabusa Ward of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), at about 8:30 am, even as voting was yet to begin in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections at the time of filing this report.

Upon arrival at the Berger polling unit 007, officials were seen sorting and dispatching sensitive materials to various polling units across Lugbe.

However, as of 9:11am, accreditation and voting had not commenced at the polling station.

Although a few number of voters were already on ground and waiting, officials were still putting finishing touches to the necessary arrangements required to begin the accreditation process.

The delay left early voters standing by as preparations continued.

However, LEADERSHIP observed that security presence at the distribution centre and polling station was notably heavy, with security personnel deployed to maintain order and ensure a peaceful environment while the exercise progressed.

Election materials were simultaneously being conveyed to other polling units within Lugbe, as residents anticipated the formal commencement of voting exercise.

A voter who identified himself as Cletus expressed concern about the heavy security and late accreditation as at press time.

“I’m worried because the presence of security personnel is greater than the number of people who came out to vote.

“The election materials are still being distributed. I’m worried that accreditation may not commence even after 10:30am.”

A corps member, who is an Assistant Presiding Officer, confirmed that accreditation was scheduled to begin at 9.30 am.

LEADERSHIP reports that voting and accreditation were concurrently going on in some parts of AMAC and Gwagwalada Area Council.