The Independent National Electoral Commission has refuted allegations that registered voters were reassigned to new polling units during Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, the Commission stated clearly that no voter was transferred from their originally assigned polling unit.
INEC clarified that what was carried out ahead of the polls was the establishment of split polling units in locations where the number of registered voters exceeded 1,250. The measure, it explained, was introduced to ease congestion and improve efficiency on election day.
According to the electoral body, the newly created split units were positioned only a few meters away from the main polling units and remained within the same premises.
The Commission recalled that it displayed the Register of Voters at designated centres, including the split polling units, four days before the election to allow voters verify their information and confirm their polling locations. It added that between February 18 and February 21, affected voters received text messages and emails notifying them of the specific locations of their split polling units.
INEC acknowledged that some voters encountered difficulties locating their designated polling centres on election day. Data from its Election Operations Dashboard indicated that as of 8:30 a.m., 45 per cent of polling units had commenced operations, while by 10:00 a.m., all units were confirmed open.
While expressing concern about voter apathy, the Commission reported an increase in turnout compared to the 2022 Area Council elections. It disclosed that more than 239,210 voters participated in the 2026 exercise, representing about 15 per cent of the 1,680,315 registered voters in the FCT. This marked an improvement from the 148,685 voters, or 9.4 per cent, recorded in 2022.
INEC also explained that the delay in announcing results for Kuje Area Council, which were declared at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, was due to the challenging terrain in Kabi ward that slowed the final collation process.
The Commission expressed appreciation to FCT residents for maintaining peace and cooperating with officials throughout the electoral process.
What You Should Know
INEC has denied claims that voters were relocated to new polling units during the FCT Area Council elections, clarifying that only split polling units were created in overcrowded locations to reduce congestion.
The Commission reported improved voter turnout compared to 2022, acknowledged early logistical challenges, and attributed the delay in Kuje results to difficult terrain affecting collation.
