KABUSA, AMAC – Security operatives on Saturday arrested a woman found in possession of over 20 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Polling Unit 001, Kabusa Primary School, during the FCT Area Council elections.
The suspect, identified by witnesses as a party agent, was apprehended while voting was underway at the unit (EC 37/06/03/001). The discovery sparked an immediate uproar among voters and observers, leading to a temporary disruption of the exercise before the police intervened to lead the woman away for questioning.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
While initial reports from the field linked the suspect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), other observers at the scene claimed she was affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Video footage showing the suspect being escorted into a security vehicle has since circulated widely on social media, fueling concerns over organized vote rigging in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Local residents expressed frustration over the incident, noting that the presence of multiple PVCs in the hands of a single individual undermined the “one man, one vote” principle.
Widespread Reports of Misconduct
The arrest at Kabusa was not an isolated incident of suspected malpractice during the FCT polls:
- Lugbe: Similar reports of open vote-buying were documented at PU 009, LEA Lugbe, where party agents were caught on camera distributing cash to voters.
- Garki: At PU 065, Garki Geological Garden, INEC faced criticism for deploying a full team of three presiding officers and security for a unit with only one registered voter, who ultimately failed to show up.
Police Investigation Underway
The FCT Police Command has confirmed the arrest at Kabusa and stated that the suspect is currently in custody. A spokesperson for the command noted that a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the source of the PVCs and the political sponsors behind the move.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its warning that anyone caught with multiple voter cards or engaging in vote-buying will face the full weight of the law. Despite these incidents, the PDP has maintained a strong lead in the satellite councils, including Gwagwalada and Kuje, while the APC has secured a win in AMAC.
