FCT Council Polls: Empty Polling Unit in Gwagwa Ward Highlights Early Voter Apathy in AMAC!

FCT Council Polls: Empty Polling Unit in Gwagwa Ward Highlights Early Voter Apathy in AMAC!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.

Voter turnout appeared notably absent at a polling unit in Gwagwa Ward of the Abuja Municipal Area Council on Saturday morning, as electoral officials waited without any voters as of 11:40 a.m. during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

Officials stationed at the polling unit in Gwagwa confirmed that accreditation and voting materials were ready, but no residents had arrived to cast their ballots nearly three hours after the commencement of voting. The situation reflects broader concerns about early voter apathy in parts of the Federal Capital Territory council polls.

The elections, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, are being held across six area councils to elect chairpersons and councillors. More than 1.6 million registered voters are expected to participate across 2,800-plus polling units.

Reports from other parts of AMAC also indicate slow turnout during the early hours of voting. Observers noted that only a handful of voters had been accredited at some polling units hours after opening, raising concerns about participation levels in Nigeria’s capital territory.

Despite the low turnout in some locations, electoral authorities had earlier expressed confidence in the exercise, citing high levels of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection and extensive logistical preparations ahead of the polls.

The FCT Area Council elections determine leadership at the grassroots level, with elected officials responsible for local governance, infrastructure, and community services across the territory’s area councils.

As voting continues, attention remains on whether turnout will improve later in the day as more residents head to polling units.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, BusinessDay Nigeria, Vanguard Nigeria, INEC

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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