FCT Election Alert: ADC Raises Alarm Over Technical Failures Blocking Voters in AMAC

 

​As the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections unfold today, February 21, serious concerns have emerged regarding the integrity of the voting process. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially raised an alarm, citing widespread technical failures that are allegedly preventing thousands of residents from exercising their franchise. In a viral video and statement, party representatives expressed deep frustration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the technological glitches could compromise the legitimacy of the entire exercise.

​The Nature of the Technical Failures

​According to reports from various polling units across the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the primary culprit appears to be the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). While INEC had promised a seamless digital experience, ADC officials and voters on the ground have reported:

• ​Failure to Authenticate: Many voters, after standing in long queues, were turned away because the BVAS machines failed to recognize their fingerprints or facial features.
• ​Network Connectivity Issues: Some polling units in rural and suburban areas of the FCT experienced total network blackouts, preventing the real-time accreditation of voters.
• ​Battery and Hardware Malfunctions: Reports surfaced of BVAS machines shutting down mid-process, with no immediate technical support from INEC ad-hoc staff to resolve the issues.

​ADC’s "Democratic Sabotage" Allegation

​In a passionate video circulating on social media, ADC stakeholders labeled these technical hitches as a form of "digital disenfranchisement." The party expressed concern that these failures appeared to be more prevalent in their strongholds, leading to suspicions of foul play.

​"We are seeing a situation where enthusiastic citizens come out to vote, but the technology provided by INEC is shutting them out," a party spokesperson noted. The ADC is calling for an immediate extension of voting hours in all affected units to compensate for the time lost due to these technical bottlenecks.

​Voter Frustration Boils Over

​The impact of these technical glitches extends beyond political rivalry; it is deeply affecting the morale of the Abuja electorate. After the historic low turnouts recorded in areas like Gwarimpa, the few citizens who did make the effort to show up now find themselves blocked by "technical errors."

​In some polling units, frustrated residents were seen protesting the inability of INEC officials to fix the machines. For many, this is a repeat of past electoral trauma where technology, intended to bring transparency, ended up creating a barrier to participation.

​INEC’s Stance on the 2026 Polls

​While INEC has yet to release a comprehensive statement addressing the ADC's specific alarm, the Commission’s technical teams are reportedly being deployed to hotspots to swap out faulty devices. However, with the 2 pm "official" close of polls fast approaching, the window for many residents to vote is rapidly closing.

​What This Means for AMAC Results

​The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is the most contested seat in the FCT. If these technical failures are not resolved, the eventual winner may face a flurry of legal challenges in the post-election tribunal. The ADC has already hinted that it is documenting every instance of technical failure as evidence for potential litigation.

​Conclusion

​The 2026 FCT elections were supposed to be a testament to Nigeria's technological advancement in democracy. Instead, the alarm raised by the ADC highlights a system still struggling with the basics of digital implementation. As the day progresses, all eyes are on INEC to see if they will rectify these failures or if thousands of Abuja residents will go home without having their voices heard.