FCT Polls: Abaji voters frustrated over missing names on register

Many residents in Abaji Area Council have expressed frustration after discovering that their names were missing from the voter register during the ongoing local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory.

Some voters described the situation as “very discouraging.” Hajia Shittu Ramat said she visited several polling units despite fasting, only to find that her name was absent from the displayed register. She suggested that INEC should consider sending registration codes and polling unit details via SMS ahead of future elections to ease the voting process.

Another voter, Hajia Musa Aisha, described the experience as stressful and disheartening.

Despite these challenges, voting proceeded peacefully. Observers noted that male and female voters queued separately in line with Islamic practices. Mr. Suleiman Yusuf, a voter at one of the units, commended the commission for the smooth conduct of the exercise, highlighting that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was functioning properly and that security personnel were present.

The election also created a bustling environment for local traders. Many sold cold drinks, snacks, and other items to voters, while commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada, were seen ferrying voters to and from polling units.

Voting in Abaji commenced around 8:30 AM, and while some residents faced challenges with the voter register, the overall process has been calm and orderly.