The turnout of observers and party agents was generally low across most of the polling units visited in the Bwari axis of the Federal Capital Territory, even as local government elections commenced between 8 am and 8.30 am today.

In several locations, party agents were largely absent or untagged, with only agents of the All Progressive Congress (APC) visibly wearing identification tags and actively monitoring the voting process.

BusinessDay observed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were on ground and largely punctual in the polling units visited.

Areas covered included Dutse Pe, the Market Area, Dutse Alhaji, and Government Day Secondary School in Dutse Alhaji.

Election materials were deployed early, while security presence was visible across the locations.

Security was provided by personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Immigration and event the Vigilante.

The officers were stationed at polling units to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials.

Voter turnout was also modest as of the time of observation, with sparse queues at most polling units in the early hours.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.

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