FCT Polls: Yiaga Africa director votes for first time in 15 years

As voters head to the polls to exercise their franchise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, many have begun sharing their experiences.

For the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, casting his ballot marks his first vote since 2011. He said the moment carries a profound sense of pride, not only as a citizen but as someone who has dedicated his life to safeguarding electoral integrity.

He noted that participating directly in the process he has long advocated for reinforces his belief in democratic accountability and the power of civic engagement.

According to him, beyond observing and monitoring elections, personally casting a vote underscores the responsibility of every eligible Nigerian to help shape the country’s democratic future.

it was reported that Yiaga Africa is a non-profit civic hub committed to advancing democratic governance, protecting human rights, and fostering active citizen engagement across Africa.

Relieving his experience, an obviously elated Itodo said: “Since 2011, I haven’t been able to vote because of the nature of my work on Election Day. For years, while mobilising citizens to exercise their franchise, I stood on the sidelines, watching the vote count, but without casting mine. I even tried during the last local elections, but I was unexpectedly reassigned to another polling unit without notice and couldn’t vote.

“Today feels different. I exercised my right to vote. There’s a deep sense of pride that comes with it, not just as a citizen, but as someone who has devoted his life to defending electoral integrity. For years, my role required observation, vigilance, and restraint. Today, I had the privilege of participating.

“It feels good to make my voice count. Democracy is not abstract. It is personal. And today, it was personal for me”.