FCT polls: Elderly, pwd’s get priority voting as accreditation, balloting proceed peacefully

Elderly voters and persons with disabilities were given priority access to accreditation and voting across several polling units of the FCT elections on Saturday, as electoral officials moved to ensure inclusive participation in the local government elections.

BusinessDay observed that presiding officers at multiple polling units in the Bwari axis implemented expedited voting procedures for senior citizens and voters living with disabilities, allowing them to cast their ballots ahead of others in the queues.

The measure helped to ease physical strain, reduce waiting time, and improve overall voter experience for vulnerable groups.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were seen guiding elderly voters and PWDs through the accreditation and balloting process, while security personnel provided support to maintain order.

At polling units visited in Dutse Pe, Dutse Alhaji, the Market Area, and Government Day Secondary School in Dutse Alhaji, the arrangement was largely orderly, with voters commending the officials for the consideration shown to vulnerable groups.

Several elderly voters described the priority voting arrangement as timely and humane, noting that long queues and prolonged standing often discourage them from participating in elections.

Despite the facilitation, overall voter turnout remained moderate in the early hours, with sparse queues recorded at many polling units.

Security presence remained strong, with officers of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency deployed across strategic locations to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.

As voting continued, election officials expressed optimism that turnout could improve later in the day, particularly as residents returned from early morning engagements.