Kudos, Knocks for INEC as FCT Election Gets Underway

There are mixed reactions over the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission as the Federal Capital Territory holds its council elections today.
While there are massive turnout in some areas, the level of participation in many others are not impressive.
For example, voters in Bwari area came out en-masse while in areas of the FCT such as Lugbe, Gwarinpa are witnessing low turnout.
Most voting centres in Bwari were filled with the electorate trying to vote for candidates of their choice.
Some of those interviewed expressed happiness over the election.
Mr. Azu John, a resident, said, “I am excited that the D-day is finally here and the opportunity to vote for my candidate.
” We are out as you can see, we are waiting for the officials to start the process so we can vote and leave everything in God’s hand,” he said.
Another resident, Miss Martha Aboyi, said she came out quite early so that she can be attended early, saying that she believed that her candidate would win.
A commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Ali Musbau, said he plans to keep his motorcycle by joining his friends to vote around 10 a.m.”
However, late arrival of voting materials in areas like Kuje discouraged many voters.
Accreditation of voters in most polling units in Lugbe was delayed, following late arrival of INEC officials and election materials.
Polling units in Lugbe Federal Housing Estate, Gosa, Trade Moore and Galadimawa reports that the accreditation which was supposed to start by 8.30. a.m., could not start as at 10.15 a.m.
INEC officials were also absent in most of the units as at 10.15 a.m.
However, security operatives were on ground in most polling unites visited with no visible presence of voters.
At Galadimawa Primary School polling unit, a handful of voters and security operatives were on ground waiting for INEC officials arrival.
Some motorists also used the opportunity to fuel their vehicles at filling stations on the Airport Road.
INEC had deployed 12,000 ad hoc staff to cover the election in the six FCT Area Councils of AMAC, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje.