Residents of the Federal Capital Territory are heading to the polls today to elect their local government chairmen and councillors across the six area councils.
In Abuja, eligible voters assembled at their designated polling units to cast their ballots in the area councils, participating in the process to determine grassroots leadership within the nation’s capital.
Security operatives, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies, have been strategically positioned throughout the territory to reinforce safety and maintain order. Authorities have also imposed movement restrictions across the FCT to facilitate a smooth and orderly electoral exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission disclosed that more than 1.5 million registered voters have obtained their Permanent Voter Cards in preparation for the election, enabling them to take part in selecting council representatives.
Unlike the arrangement in the 36 states of the federation, where local government elections are conducted by state electoral commissions under the supervision of elected governors, the FCT council polls are overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
This structure reflects the unique administrative status of the FCT, which does not operate under a governor. Instead, the territory is managed by a minister appointed by the President, thereby placing responsibility for council elections in the hands of the national electoral body.
Low voter participation has also been observed in the Rivers State bye-elections taking place in the Ahoada East and Khana State House of Assembly constituencies. Reports from the affected areas indicate that turnout has remained below expectations as the electoral process continues.
What you should know
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory are electing their chairmen and councillors today across the six area councils, with over 1.5 million PVC holders eligible to vote.
Security agencies have deployed personnel and restricted movement to ensure a peaceful exercise, and INEC is conducting the election due to the FCT’s special administrative structure.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State bye-elections in Ahoada East and Khana constituencies are witnessing low voter turnout.
