The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has brought to light allegations of vote buying during the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, stating that votes were traded for as much as ₦10,000. This claim was made by Celestine Odo, a co-convener of the group, who addressed journalists in Abuja. While the overall conduct of the elections was described as largely peaceful, observers noted significant incidences of vote buying and delays in the start of voting across various polling stations.

Odo provided specific examples of polling units within the Abuja Municipal Area Council where vote buying was reportedly blatant. In polling units PU008, 056, 057 and 058 of Gidan Mangoro Ward, individuals exchanged their votes openly for amounts reaching ₦10,000. Other areas exhibited more discreet forms of vote buying, although the practice was still easily observed by election monitors. These reports highlight a troubling breach of electoral integrity in a region where democratic processes are critical.

Delays in the commencement of voting were also a significant issue raised by the Situation Room, with many polling units opening later than scheduled. The combination of these two problems—delayed voting and rampant vote buying—raises serious concerns about the overall credibility of the electoral process in the Federal Capital Territory. This situation calls for urgent reforms and stricter enforcement of election laws to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.