A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner of Ballot Eye raises fresh concerns over alleged last-minute changes to voting stations, warning that the development may have disenfranchised several eligible voters during the ongoing elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Mediaplusng.com, Ballot Eye observers report that many potential voters arrive at their usual polling units only to discover they have been reassigned to different locations without adequate prior notice, leading to confusion and, in some cases, inability to vote.
The coalition calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a clear explanation regarding the reported changes in polling unit assignments. The group urges the electoral body to urgently deploy voter support mechanisms, including help desks and digital verification tools, to assist citizens in locating their correct polling units.
Mediaplusng.com reports that beyond polling unit reassignments, the coalition also expresses concern over what it describes as significant voter apathy in several monitored locations. Observers cite an example in Gwarinpa, where a polling unit with approximately 750 registered voters records only 19 voters participating at the time of observation.
The coalition states that low turnout figures raise broader questions about voter confidence, awareness, and logistical preparedness. Civil society monitors stress that transparent communication and efficient election-day coordination are critical in preventing voter discouragement and strengthening democratic participation.
According to Mediaplusng.com, Ballot Eye also documents late arrival of electoral materials in multiple areas, including Kayada in Kuje, Junior Secondary School Durumi 1, Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, Rugan Fulani in Bwari, and Abaji East Primary School. The delays, observers say, contribute to frustration among voters who arrive early but face extended waiting periods.
The coalition emphasizes that timely deployment of election materials and personnel is essential to maintaining public trust in the electoral process. It notes that operational setbacks, combined with polling unit confusion, may further suppress turnout in an already sensitive political climate.
Ballot Eye is led by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative and includes partner organisations such as YVoteNaija Initiative, FactCheck Africa, Election Violence Incident Tracka, and Rising Child Foundation. The coalition deploys trained observers across several polling units to monitor compliance with electoral guidelines and document irregularities.
Election analysts note that civic observer groups play a critical role in strengthening electoral accountability by providing independent assessments of field operations. They add that proactive responses by electoral authorities to such concerns can reinforce confidence and prevent misinformation.
As voting and collation processes continue, stakeholders urge INEC to address logistical challenges swiftly, clarify polling unit reassignments, and enhance voter information systems to ensure that no eligible voter is unintentionally disenfranchised.
The coalition reiterates its commitment to peaceful observation and constructive engagement, calling on all parties to uphold transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the conduct of the FCT elections.
