Shola Akinyele
Voting was abruptly disrupted at a polling unit in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after ballot papers were allegedly snatched during the ongoing Area Council elections.
The incident reportedly occurred at the AU Suleman 003 polling unit in Abaji South East, one of thousands of polling units across the FCT where residents are voting for chairmen, vice chairmen, and councilors.
Eyewitnesses said an unidentified individual allegedly entered the polling area and made away with ballot papers mid-process, forcing electoral officials to halt accreditation and voting. Party agents reportedly raised alarm immediately, prompting intervention by security personnel.
Viral videos circulating on social media under the hashtag #FCTDecides2026 show tense scenes, including voters shouting in protest and security operatives attempting to restore order. Some clips appear to show tear gas being deployed as crowds surged around the disrupted polling unit.
As of the time of filing this report, voting had not resumed at the affected unit. Frustrated voters questioned how sensitive election materials could be compromised during active voting.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is overseeing the elections across the six FCT area councils—Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—has not issued a detailed statement specifically addressing the Abaji incident. Earlier in the day, the commission had emphasized preparedness and coordination with security agencies to ensure a smooth process.
Reports from other polling units across the FCT indicate mixed experiences. While some areas recorded early arrival of materials and orderly voting, others faced delays, technical challenges with voter accreditation devices, and logistical setbacks.
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