FCT Poll: Voting Delayed as Materials Remain at Lugbe RAC Centre

Voting in the Federal Capital Territory council election did not begin at the scheduled time of 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, as sensitive election materials had not left the Registration Area Centre in Lugbe as of a few minutes to 9:00 a.m.

The situation was observed at the Lugbe Primary School and LEA Primary School, where election officials and security personnel were still making arrangements.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier assured residents that accreditation and voting would start by 8:30 a.m. across polling units in the territory.

However, at the Lugbe RAC Centre, materials meant for distribution to polling units were yet to be moved.

Officials at the centre were seen working to organise the dispatch process. A supervisor at the Lugbe RAC explained in a recorded video that efforts were ongoing to put necessary measures in place to allow the safe movement of the materials to their various destinations.

Security operatives, including police officers and other agencies assigned to the election, were also at the centre trying to coordinate their deployment. Their presence was part of preparations to ensure order during the exercise.

Due to the delay, it appeared unlikely that voting would begin by 10:00 a.m. in many polling units within Lugbe.

The late movement of materials raised concerns among voters who had arrived early, expecting the process to begin as announced by the electoral body.