Confusion and tension marred the electoral process in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday as armed soldiers were deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Bwari Area Council while electoral officials failed to appear at several polling units in Kubwa hours after voting was scheduled to begin.
It was learnt that heavily armed soldiers were stationed at strategic points around the INEC office in Bwari early in the morning, restricting movement and closely monitoring activities within and around the premises.
The presence of soldiers at a civilian electoral facility sparked alarm among residents and political observers, who questioned the rationale behind the militarisation of the process.
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“The presence of the Army at the INEC office is alarming. Elections are meant to be civilian processes. This kind of militarisation raises serious questions,” a resident who requested anonymity said.
