Voting in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was marred by confusion and fear on Saturday after tear gas was reportedly fired at voters in Bwari Area Council, forcing many to disperse before the exercise could begin.
The incident was brought to public attention during a live broadcast on Nigeria Info 95.1 FM, where a caller identified as Mrs. Omeza described chaotic scenes near Zenith Bank, close to the JAMB office in Bwari.
According to her, voters had gathered peacefully in anticipation of accreditation when canisters were discharged, sending people scrambling for safety.
“They tear-gassed us; they don’t want us to vote,” she said during the programme. “People are crying. People fasting. People that managed to come out, all of them don’t want to come out now.”
She stressed that there was no protest, violence or disturbance prior to the incident and described the action as unjustified. Mrs. Omeza appealed to authorities to ensure that residents could participate in the election without intimidation or fear.
Security personnel reportedly present at the location denied responsibility and claimed they were unaware of who deployed the tear gas. Speculation at the scene suggested it could have been fired either by unidentified individuals or by security operatives, though no official clarification had been issued at the time of filing this report.
The development drew sharp criticism from the station’s anchors, who condemned the use of tear gas in what they described as a peaceful civic setting. They noted that such crowd-control tools are typically reserved for trained security agencies and should not be deployed where there is no breakdown of law and order.
They emphasised that elections are a democratic exercise and should not resemble a security operation.
Elsewhere across the FCT, other challenges emerged as the polls progressed.
In Gwagwalada Area Council, low voter turnout was reported at Gwadodo Primary and Secondary School, a centre accommodating 15 polling units. As of mid-morning, only a small number of voters were present, despite a heavy security presence that reportedly included military personnel.
Observers suggested that visible security deployment, coupled with reports of disturbances in other areas, may have discouraged some voters from turning out.
In Garki, along Lagos Street, the process was hampered by logistical bottlenecks. Ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were said to be stranded as transport providers declined to convey election materials, citing outstanding payments.
The standoff delayed the movement of materials to polling units, raising concerns about coordination and preparedness.
Commentators described the setbacks as avoidable lapses that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, especially with larger elections on the horizon.
As residents await official statements from security agencies and electoral authorities, calls have intensified for a thorough investigation into the tear-gas incident in Bwari and urgent measures to guarantee voter safety.