By Nkechi Eze
Former Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, has commended the conduct of the ongoing area council elections, describing the process as smooth and significantly improved, while attributing low turnout in some areas to the local nature of the polls and inadequate voter sensitisation.
Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote, Aduda expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the exercise, noting that the election was progressing well across the various area councils.
“For me, everything is going on well, and you really know that it’s our local elections where we elect our area council chairmen and our councillors who will represent us from the various wards into the various local governments of the FCT,” he said.
He explained that the relatively low turnout observed in some polling units was not unusual for council elections, stressing that local polls typically do not attract the same level of participation as national contests.
“Well, that’s why I said it’s a local election which is done within the various area councils. Of course, if it was a national election, people would come out more,” he stated.
The former lawmaker, however, acknowledged that inadequate sensitisation and recent changes in polling units contributed to confusion among voters, with many unable to locate their names.
“There is also some blame on the voters because the voter register was displayed in the various polling units, and maybe some people just took it for granted. They are used to the polling units that they know, and today they are coming and going around, and then they are not finding their names at the new polling units,” he explained.
He added that such challenges were part of an adjustment process and expressed optimism that voters would become more familiar with the new arrangements over time.
“It will take time for them to realise that and to get used to it. But after this, I’m sure they would get it straight,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Aduda said the improvements recorded in the current exercise were encouraging, pointing to the speed and efficiency of the voting process as a major milestone.
“Well, for me, it didn’t take up to three minutes to vote, so I think they have improved, and they are improving. It’s a work in progress,” he noted.
He also expressed confidence that new electoral laws recently passed would be implemented in subsequent elections once fully assented to and operational.
“Well, of course, I’m sure it’s been passed, and if it has been passed and the elections are coming after it has been assented to and given by Mr President, I’m sure that it will be put in use and put in place,” he said.
Aduda further shared his personal observation after monitoring voting activities across several locations from early morning, saying the process showed clear improvements compared to previous elections.
“From 8 in the morning, I’ve gone from Mararaba down here. We’ve been spending our time, and as you said, there has been improvement seriously over the election as compared to the previous ones,” he said.
He emphasised that the speed of accreditation and voting was particularly impressive, noting that the process from accreditation to ballot casting was seamless.
“If I didn’t spend three minutes for collecting accreditation, ballot paper, all the way to the ballot box, I think there has been a lot of improvement,” he added.
The former senator concluded by urging electoral authorities and stakeholders to build on the progress recorded, particularly by intensifying voter education and sensitisation efforts to ensure greater participation and a more seamless experience in future elections, especially the crucial 2027 general polls.
