The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Saturday visited several polling units across the Federal Capital Territory during the Area Council elections.
One of the polling units visited was Unit 016 in Area 8, where concerns were raised by party agents and election workers over low voter turnout and delays in the arrival of sensitive election materials.
At the unit, the All Progressives Congress (APC) agent, Stephen Osadebe, complained about what he described as widespread voter apathy. According to him, the turnout fell far below expectations despite the large number of registered voters.
“We have over 3,000 registered voters here, but barely 30 people have shown up. This level of voter apathy is worrying.
INEC and political parties need to do more voter sensitisation ahead of elections,” he said.
Osadebe also stressed that low turnout undermines the credibility of leadership choices, noting that citizens must participate actively for democracy to function effectively.
Meanwhile, journalists on ground observed logistical shortcomings at some polling units. Some INEC ad-hoc staff were reportedly not provided with basic working materials such as seats and adequate arrangements to carry out their duties.
One of the ad-hoc workers, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), described the turnout as unimpressive.
“The turnout has not been very good. It’s not extremely poor, but it is far from encouraging,” she said.
Responding to the concerns raised by party agents and observers, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission was committed to improving the conduct of elections and ensuring a smooth voting process across the FCT.
The Area Council elections are being held across the six councils in Abuja, with electoral officials expected to monitor and address operational gaps as the exercise progresses.
