INEC: No FCT Voter Was Relocated, Only Polling Units Split
Commission Refutes Voter Migration Claims
THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly denied allegations that voters were migrated to new polling units during Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement signed by Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, the Commission clarified that no registered voter was moved from their original polling unit. Instead, it said the exercise involved the creation of split polling units in overcrowded locations.
According to INEC, the decision to split certain units was taken to ease congestion in polling centres with more than 1,250 registered voters.
Why Polling Units Were Split
The Commission explained that the newly created split polling units were situated only a few metres away from the original units and remained within the same premises. The measure, it said, was aimed at improving orderliness, reducing waiting time, and enhancing the overall voting experience.
INEC further recalled that it displayed the Register of Voters at designated centres and newly created split units four days before the election to enable voters confirm their details and polling locations.
Additionally, between 18 and 21 February, text messages and emails were sent to affected voters notifying them of their assigned polling points.
Election Day Challenges and Turnout
Despite the advance notices, INEC acknowledged that some voters encountered difficulties locating their designated units on election day. Data from the Commission’s Election Operations Dashboard showed that by 8:30 a.m., about 45 per cent of polling units had opened, while all units were fully operational by 10:00 a.m.
On voter participation, INEC noted a modest improvement compared to the 2022 Area Council elections. It disclosed that 239,210 voters cast their ballots in 2026, representing approximately 15 per cent of the 1,680,315 registered voters in the FCT. This marked an increase from 148,685 voters, or 9.4 per cent turnout, recorded in 2022.
Delay in Kuje Results
INEC also addressed concerns over the delayed announcement of results in Kuje Area Council. It attributed the delay, which saw results declared at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, to logistical challenges posed by the difficult terrain in Kabi ward, which slowed final collation.
The Commission commended residents of the FCT for maintaining peace and cooperating with electoral officials throughout the process.
