Logistical issues delay voting in AMAC unit

Voting in parts of the Federal Capital Territory began on a mixed note Saturday, with logistical delays and low turnout recorded in sections of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), while other area councils saw encouraging voter presence.

At Park and Gardens, Polling Unit 005 in AMAC City Centre, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission commenced voting behind schedule, citing logistical challenges.

Accredited voters were seen waiting to be captured on the BVAS machine as preparations were concluded.

Similarly, at Polling Unit 011 in Area 2, Garki, voting opened slowly with only four voters on the queue as of 9:14 am, despite a register of 863 voters.

The presiding officer told BusinessDay that the unit had been ready since 8:30 am, but turnout remained low. Voting eventually commenced minutes later.

In contrast, turnout was higher at Kutunku Primary School in Gwagwalada, where voters queued patiently to cast ballots, though some complained their names were missing from the register.

At Sabon Tasha, New Development in Abaji, concerns emerged after two voters were observed sharing a voting cubicle simultaneously.

Meanwhile, at Pilot Science Primary School in Kwali, turnout was strong with over 100 voters already present and security operatives maintaining order as voting progressed peacefully.

The early hours of the exercise reflected uneven participation and minor procedural concerns across councils, as the process gradually stabilised.