By Nkechi Eze
The story of the February 21, 2026 Area Council Election in the Federal Capital Territory is one of calm voting, technological gains and procedural order — but also of troubling voter apathy, structural inefficiencies and post-poll flashpoints that demand urgent reform.
This was the central message delivered by The Electoral Hub in its post-election assessment of the polls conducted across the six Area Councils of the FCT. In an official signed statement, Director of IRAD, The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, said the organisation commended citizens and residents for their peaceful conduct and applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for what it described as relative professionalism and transparency throughout the process.
As an accredited observer, The Electoral Hub monitored activities from pre-election preparations to post-election procedures using an electoral accountability framework that examined operational efficiency, legal compliance, inclusivity, voter accessibility and overall integrity. According to the group, elections are multifaceted exercises that depend not only on INEC but also on political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society, the media and voters themselves.
Across polling units visited by its observers, voting was largely peaceful and orderly. There were no recorded incidents of violence, voter intimidation or vote buying at the polling units directly observed. Poll closing procedures were described as calm and transparent, reinforcing confidence in the procedural aspects of the exercise. On the basis of direct observation, the group assessed the election as relatively free, fair and peaceful during the voting phase.
Significant strengths were recorded. INEC adhered strictly to its election timetable and schedule, demonstrating precision in executing its statutory responsibilities. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System once again proved instrumental in biometric verification, curbing impersonation and multiple voting. Accreditation at many polling units averaged between one and two minutes per voter, although technical glitches were observed in some locations where internet connectivity was delayed.
The uploading of Polling Unit results to the IReV portal further enhanced transparency. By 10:27 p.m. on election day, chairmanship result uploads stood at 79.26 percent in Abaji, 78.94 percent in AMAC, 70.71 percent in Bwari and Gwagwalada, 71.37 percent in Kuje and 60.70 percent in Kwali. By 5:08 a.m. on February 22, uploads had risen above 93 percent in most councils, substantially reducing information gaps that often fuel post-election disputes.
Security deployment under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security framework included personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others. Observers reported adequate security presence at polling units, collation centres and the INEC FCT Office.
However, the report also identified serious weaknesses.
Although voting was peaceful, incidents of violence erupted during counting and collation in some areas. A fight at the Wako Ward Collation Centre in Kwali reportedly led to one fatality. In Gwagwa Ward, clashes between party supporters prompted security personnel to fire shots to disperse thugs and restore order. The Electoral Hub described collation centres as emerging flashpoints that require strengthened post-poll security planning.
The most striking concern was extremely low voter turnout. Overall participation was estimated at about 15 percent of the 1,680,315 registered voters. AMAC recorded 7.84 percent turnout, Gwagwalada 22.30 percent and Kuje 27.02 percent. Field observations revealed stark disparities between registration figures and actual voting. In several polling units, only a handful of voters turned out despite thousands being registered. The group suggested that the recent passage and assent of the Electoral Act 2026, signed into law just three days before the election, may have affected voter confidence and motivation, compounding broader trends of apathy and disillusionment.
Logistical shortcomings also affected the process. Some polling units lacked basic infrastructure such as tables, chairs and shade. In certain locations, voter registers were placed on the ground, exposing materials to environmental risks. Incomplete voting cubicles compromised ballot secrecy in a few polling units, while some polling stations were poorly sited near gutters or sewage areas, raising hygiene and accessibility concerns.
Observers noted uneven distribution of polling units, with clustering in certain streets and underutilisation in others. In one instance, a polling unit had only one registered voter, highlighting inefficiencies in resource deployment. Accessibility challenges were further exacerbated by widespread police roadblocks and street blockades across major routes, which, though intended to maintain order, created barriers for voters attempting to reach their polling units.
Concerns were also raised regarding ad-hoc staff management. Some polling units operated without a Presiding Officer present, while others reported welfare and administrative frustrations at collation centres. Instances of incomplete uniform compliance and gaps in deployment were documented, underscoring the need for more robust personnel management and standardised training.
The report further observed limited evidence of electoral inclusivity. Assistive devices such as braille guides and magnifying glasses, as provided for under the Electoral Act 2026, were not seen at polling units visited, and polling officials could not confirm their availability.
Balancing these strengths and weaknesses, The Electoral Hub concluded that while the election reflected measurable improvements in technology deployment, result transparency and collation integrity, it took place within a broader context of declining voter engagement and democratic scepticism.
The organisation recommended comprehensive geographic mapping for equitable polling unit distribution, mandatory logistics checklists, strict enforcement of full personnel deployment, clearer relocation communication strategies and accessibility-sensitive movement planning. Enhanced voter education, it said, is critical to reversing apathy and rebuilding trust.
Ultimately, the group described the FCT Area Council Election as relatively peaceful and procedurally credible, but in need of operational refinements to improve participation and strengthen democratic legitimacy. It called on residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large to remain civically engaged, insist on transparency and accountability, and continue to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“The commitment demonstrated by voters, even in the face of inconvenience and frustration, affirms that citizens remain ready to participate when systems are responsive and well-structured,” the statement noted, adding that credible, transparent and participatory elections are achievable when all stakeholders unite to protect electoral accountability.
