Vote Buying And Voter Apathy Reported In Kuje
Voters in Kuje turned out in low numbers on Saturday as the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections unfolded, with observers raising concerns over apathy and open vote trading.
The situation was reported across several polling units in the area.
Election monitors said turnout was shockingly poor, citing cases where barely 50 people voted in units with more than 1,000 registered names.
They also reported widespread vote buying, alleging that a political party was either directly or indirectly linked to the practice.
Observers, however, praised the Independent National Electoral Commission for the smooth deployment of materials and the effective use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
They noted that officials arrived early in many centres, though some voters complained that their names were missing from the register.
At Kayada Primary School and other locations, voters were seen gathering around agents who allegedly offered between N2,000 and N3,000 in exchange for support.
With no anti-corruption officials visibly present, the exchanges were said to have taken place openly as the exercise continued.
