Live Updates: Polls test for APC, ADC, NNPP in Rivers, FCT, Kano

03:53: 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.

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

03:37: FCT Polls: Wike hails peaceful conduct amid low turnout

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the Area Council elections across the territory, even as he noted low voter turnout in parts of the Abuja city centre.

Speaking with journalists after monitoring the exercise in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Wike said the polls had so far been largely peaceful, with no reports of violence or destruction of electoral materials.

“First of all, we thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The only issue we have observed is low voter turnout, particularly within the city, and that has always been the case. However, when you go to some of the satellite towns, the turnout is quite impressive,” he said.

The minister acknowledged minor protests at a polling unit he visited, but stressed that they did not escalate into violence.

“At this polling unit, you can see some protests, just as I was coming in. But what is important is that the election is peaceful — no violence, no destruction of ballot papers or ballot boxes,” he added.

03:15: FCT Polls: BVAS worked perfectly, says INEC Chairman

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Saturday, said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functioned almost perfectly across polling units during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

Amupitan, who monitored the exercise in parts of Garki, Wuse and the Abuja city centre, expressed satisfaction with the technology’s performance, noting that it enhanced the credibility of the electoral process.

According to him, all the BVAS machines deployed for the polls operated effectively, assuring residents that their votes would count.

“With the performance of the BVAS, the voices of FCT residents will be heard loud and clear,” he said.

02:58: INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan granting interview to journalists in Garki, FCT Area Abuja.

02:25: Large turnout at Junior Secondary school Area 1, Polling unit 001, O02, 30 & 52, with lots of security men among the crowd.

02:24: FCT Polls: Low turnout, busy markets recorded along Jikwoyi-Kurudu-Karshi corridor

A calm but subdued atmosphere defined Saturday’s Area Council elections along the Jikwoyi-Kurudu-Gidan Mangoro-Orozo-Karshi axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where low voter turnout contrasted sharply with vibrant commercial activity.

Across several polling units visited by The Guardian, accreditation and voting commenced on schedule, with electoral officials and security personnel present.

However, participation remained thin, as many centres recorded only a handful of voters hours after the exercise began.

At Polling Unit 060 in the Gidandaya area, turnout was described as “very, very low,” with only a few voters accredited out of 671 registered voters as of mid-morning.

INEC ad hoc staff joined by Police elements were observed seated and waiting for more residents to arrive.

02:14: FCT Polls: Bwari chairman confident despite low turnout

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr. John Gabaya, has expressed confidence that the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections will end successfully, despite the low turnout of voters recorded in parts of the council.

Gabaya spoke with journalists shortly after casting his vote at Tokulo Primary School polling unit in his village on Saturday morning.

He acknowledged that although the voting process commenced on time in most polling units, voter participation was initially low.

However, he expressed optimism that turnout would improve as the day progressed.

“Elections started as scheduled. While turnout is not impressive at the moment, we are hopeful that more residents will come out to exercise their civic responsibility,” he said.

02:11: INEC Chairman monitoring activities at PU 005, LEA Primary school, Garki village.

01:34: FCT Polls: ADC’s AMAC candidate says process largely peaceful

The Abuja Municipal Chairmanship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Paul Moses, has said the ongoing election process in the FCT has been largely peaceful.

The candidate stated this when he cast his vote at his polling unit located in Abacha Estate, Zone 4.

Voting commenced with accreditation before ballots were cast, a process observers described as peaceful and orderly. The exercise was reported to be progressing smoothly at the time of filing this report.

Speaking shortly after voting, the ADC candidate, Moses Paul, commended the conduct of the election. While acknowledging slight delays caused by the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), he praised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their professionalism.

“The process has been largely peaceful,” he noted, adding that despite the time taken by the BVAS to complete accreditation, the exercise remained well-coordinated.

During a brief interaction with journalists, the ADC candidate reiterated his commitment to delivering effective leadership if elected. He also urged residents to participate responsibly in the democratic process.

He called on voters to exercise their franchise peacefully and in accordance with electoral guidelines, emphasising the importance of maintaining order throughout the election.

12:43: FCT Polls: A member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the Nyanya polling station, Honourable Musa Maigida, said: “So far, the process is ongoing, and we have not experienced any harassment from the police. As you can see, they are here and professional so far. We need them here, and we do not expect them to be partisan, but so far they have not shown any partisanship, and we are happy with their conduct.”

12:42: Low voter turnout has characterised the by-election held in two state constituencies in Kano State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting an off-season election in Municipal and Ungogo state constituencies to replace vacant seats in the state house of assembly.

Candidates from nine political parties are contesting the election to replace the late lawmakers who died on the same day last year.

12:24: INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, monitors activities at polling unit 016 Area 8, FCT, Abuja