A civic election monitoring group, Ballot Eyes, has raised concerns over last-minute polling unit reassignments by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the development could disenfranchise voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a preliminary statement issued at midday on election day, the group said it had deployed trained observers across polling units in the FCT to monitor voting procedures, turnout, security, and compliance with electoral guidelines.
Early Positives Recorded
Ballot Eyes commended INEC for several improvements observed during the early hours of voting.
According to the group, most INEC officials arrived at polling units between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned effectively in 96 per cent of polling units visited.
Observers also reported that accreditation and voting commenced early in 73 per cent of polling units monitored. Security presence was described as strong, with personnel deployed to 96 per cent of locations visited. In addition, about 45 per cent of polling officials observed were women, reflecting improved gender inclusion.
The group said these developments marked notable progress in election-day preparedness compared to previous exercises in the FCT.
Low Turnout in AMAC
Despite the improvements, Ballot Eyes expressed concern over extremely low voter turnout in parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
At polling units such as Junior Secondary School, Durumi One, and Gwarimpa (Registration Area Code 05), observers reported that as of 8:50 a.m., no voters had shown up in some locations, even though INEC officials and security personnel were present.
The group said the situation raised questions about voter awareness, access to polling units, and public confidence in the electoral process.
Concerns Over Last-Minute Polling Unit Reassignments
Ballot Eyes described INEC’s decision to reassign polling units on the eve of the election — communicated to voters via SMS — as troubling.
While acknowledging that the move may have been intended to reduce congestion, the group said the timing and mode of communication created widespread confusion.
Observers reported that many voters arrived at their former polling units only to discover they had been reassigned elsewhere. In some cases, voters insisted on casting ballots at their original units where their names appeared on the register, leading to delays and tension as officials attempted to resolve disputes.
The group warned that such late changes could discourage participation, fuel voter apathy, and ultimately disenfranchise eligible voters.
Late Arrival in Some Areas
Although early deployment was recorded in most areas, observers noted late arrival of INEC officials in Kuje (Karyada), Junior Secondary School Durumi One, Government Secondary School Gwarimpa, Rugan Fulani in Bwari Area Council, Nuku Sabon Gari, and Abaji East Primary School, Polling Unit 003 (Batiyor Phase 3).
Vote Buying Allegations
Ballot Eyes also reported incidents of vote buying at Polling Unit 004 near the University of Abuja gate. According to observers, some party agents allegedly induced voters and positioned themselves too close to voting cubicles, compromising ballot secrecy and violating electoral guidelines.
Accessibility Gaps
While commending INEC’s efforts toward inclusiveness, the group noted that assistive materials such as Braille guides and magnifying devices for Persons with Disabilities were available in only 63 per cent of polling units visited.
Calls for Immediate Action
Ballot Eyes urged INEC to deploy on-ground voter support teams and clear signage to help voters locate reassigned polling units. It also called on the commission to publicly clarify the rationale and scope of the last-minute changes.
The group further demanded strict enforcement of electoral rules, particularly regarding vote buying and ballot secrecy.
It appealed to voters to remain calm and law-abiding, while encouraging election officials and security agencies to act professionally and decisively.
Ballot Eyes said it would continue to monitor the election and provide evidence-based updates, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the right of every eligible voter to participate freely and without hindrance.
Advertisement
