CSO Reports Vote Buying Up to ₦10,000 in FCT Polls

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has alleged widespread vote trading during the 2026 FCT elections.

Observers reported that some voters received as much as ₦10,000 for their ballots across various parts of the capital.

Co-convener Celestine Odo stated that while the exercise was peaceful, open vote buying marred the process. Transactions were particularly evident in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), where several units documented blatant financial exchanges.

Detailing the irregularities, Odo said, “Vote buying was observed in many polling units visited. In few a places, it was openly done in some polling units such as PU008, 056, 057 and 058 Gidan Mangoro Ward of AMAC where votes traded with as much as N10,000 each.”

Beyond bribery, the group highlighted major logistics delays, with many polls opening late. Due to the tardy arrival of INEC staff and materials, voting didn’t commence in many areas until approximately 9:15 am.

Voter apathy was high in the city center, though turnout improved in satellite towns like Kuje and Kwali by afternoon. Some voters also struggled to find their units following last-minute relocations by the commission.

Despite these flaws, the group praised the BVAS technology and the professional conduct of security agencies. They urged INEC to address reported lapses during collation to ensure the final election results remain credible.