FCTDecides: Ballot paper shortage disrupts voting at Kwali polling unit (Video)

There was confusion and rising tension on election morning at Dabi Primary School in Pai Ward of Kwali Area Council, as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly arrived late and without complete voting materials.

The materials were meant to be distributed from Bako Primary School, but as of 7:45 a.m., observers said they had not been delivered. INEC officials were also said to be absent at the time, leaving voters and party agents worried.

A PDP observer, Habibu Musa, alleged that 830 ballot papers were missing. “Here at Dabi Primary School in Pai Ward, our people said if it’s not complete, they’re not coming,” Musa said. “Anywhere those other ballot papers are, they need to provide them—that’s why INEC officials aren’t available.”

By 8:30 a.m., many residents were still at the polling unit waiting to vote, and the atmosphere became tense. It was not until about 8:45 a.m. that an INEC representative arrived at the venue.

An APC observer, Abduljubril Abdulsallam, also confirmed the development. According to him, observers discovered that about 835 ballot papers were missing when they arrived. He said all party agents agreed that the issue must be resolved before the materials could be shared.

“I’m not happy with what went on this morning,” Abdulsallam said. “It’s a misplacement by INEC officials. By God’s grace, the problem was rectified soon after. That’s why people were stranded at the polling units—we’re really not happy about it.”

Following heated arguments and unrest at the polling unit, security personnel stepped in to restore calm. INEC officials later entered the hall, and the missing ballot papers were reportedly provided before the materials were finally distributed.

Also APC observer Abduljubril Abdulsallam confirmed the issue. He said upon arrival, observers discovered nearly 835 ballots missing. All party observers unanimously demanded the shortfall be addressed before distribution. “I’m not happy with what went on this morning,” Abdulsallam said. “It’s a misplacement by INEC officials.

By God’s grace, the problem was rectified soon after. That’s why people were stranded at the polling units—we’re really not happy about it.”

After hours of arguments and rowdiness, security personnel intervened. INEC officers then entered the hall, and the missing ballots mysteriously appeared, allowing completion before disbursement.

As of this report, correspondent Adeola Oladosu notes that voter registration had still not begun.

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