Reports of alleged vote-buying have emerged in some polling units across the Federal Capital Territory as the election progresses.

Observers told Dataphyte that while voters were casting their ballots, some party agents were seen offering incentives to selected individuals, raising concerns about the credibility of the process.

At CIDAR College in the Byazhin/Across Kubwa ward, Bwari Area Council, an observer reported that certain party agents allegedly paid voters N3,000 after they had voted. Dataphyte could not independently verify the political party involved.

Similarly, at Polling Unit 20 in Dagiri, Gwagwalada Area Council, an observer alleged that a representative of the All Progressives Congress distributed money to voters. Another case of suspected vote buying was reported at LEA Primary School, Giri, also in Gwagwalada.

“Many people rushed to a parked car immediately after voting,” an observer told Dataphyte.

In Katampe Village Square, Dutse Ward of Bwari Area Council, an APC party agent was reportedly seen distributing drinks to voters waiting to cast their ballots.

Meanwhile, an observer told Dataphyte that a party agent representing the African Democratic Party (ADP) was seen campaigning in Ladi Kwali at about 8:09 a.m., shortly before voting commenced.

Under Nigeria’s Electoral Act, vote buying and campaigning on election day are prohibited, with offenders liable to penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

In a separate development, observers reported incidents of rowdiness at several polling units in Bwari and Abaji Area Councils. Voters in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) also reported altercations at some polling stations after discovering that their names were missing from the accredited voter lists.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the Federal Capital Territory, Olusola Odumosu, warned operatives against harassing voters during the election.

He said, “On no account should any personnel be seen assisting a voter, as this is not permitted. You are to remain non-partisan. Our responsibility is to protect voters, as well as sensitive and non-sensitive election materials, and ensure that citizens can freely exercise their rights. The aim is to ensure that the election is fair and credible, as your role is to provide security.”