FCT polls: Late commencement of voting in Usuma

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

Voting is yet to commence in most of the polling units in Usuma Ward, in the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had slated 8.30am for the commencement of voting in the area council poll. However, several polling units visited by The Sun, in Usuma Ward, Bwara Area Council, as at the scheduled commencement time is yet to start voting.

This is as Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) stakeholders, on the aegis of Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP) has dismissed the withdrawal of the party’s chairmanship candidates in Bwara and Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC) from the the contest.

“The PDP is fully in the race for the Saturday, February 21, 2026, Council elections in Bwari and all other Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This statement serves to clarify and debunk speculations currently circulating on social media.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP is fielding candidates for both Chairmanship and Councillorship positions in Bwari, as well as the five other Area Councils: Abaji, AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. The party has not withdrawn from any contest, contrary to rumors being peddled by agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“For emphasis, under the fundamental principles of our democratic process, it is the Party that is on the ballot and in the contest by sponsoring candidates, rather than the individual. Regardless of external claims, the CP-PDP confirms that there is no official correspondence from any PDP candidate indicating a withdrawal from any of the Area Council elections,” they stated

When The Sun visited the LEA Primary School, in Phase 3, Kubwa, at about 8.50pm, it was observed that the the four polling units were still setting up. Similarly, at the Junior Secondary School, PW, six of the six polling units were still setting up, as 9.23 am.

Nonetheless, it was observed that Polling Unit 003, also located within the school, started voting at exactly 9.04am.