21 February 2026/ News/ SUNTV Global Channel reporting
The sorting and counting of ballots have commenced across Abuja as residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) conclude voting in the Area Council elections, amid allegations of vote-buying and concerns over heavy security restrictions.
SUNTV Global correspondents report that the exercise entered the collation phase on Saturday evening, with electoral officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) beginning the sorting of votes at polling units across the nation’s capital.
However, the election day was marked by noticeably low voter turnout in several areas, including Gwagwalada, Kubwa, and Bwari, where residents cited movement restrictions and a strong security presence as key reasons for limited participation.
Reports of alleged vote-buying also surfaced in parts of Gwagwalada, further raising concerns about the credibility of the process.
Security operatives were stationed at major junctions and polling centres throughout Abuja, conducting stop-and-search operations and enforcing compliance with pre-election movement restrictions. Authorities said the measures were intended to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful voting process.
Despite these assurances, many residents expressed frustration, saying the restrictions discouraged them from coming out to vote.
“People were confused about whether they could move freely. Many decided to stay indoors to avoid problems with security agents,” one voter told SUNTV Global.
In areas such as Nyanya, security patrol vehicles were seen moving around intermittently, while armed personnel maintained visible surveillance near voting centres.
SUNTV Global also observed an incident at Liberty Junction in Byazhin, Kubwa, where police officers prevented several residents from accessing polling units with their vehicles. A mechanic was arrested after officers reportedly found military camouflage inside a vehicle he was driving. He claimed the items belonged to a client who is a military officer, but he was taken into custody pending verification.
Election observers noted that while compliance with security directives was high, the restrictions appeared to dampen voter enthusiasm. In some polling units, party agents were also noticeably absent.
As vote counting continues, security officials maintain that the strict measures were necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order, urging residents to remain calm and allow the electoral process to conclude peacefully.
