Ahead of the area council elections slated for Saturday February 12 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, residents of Bwari Area Council have expressed satisfaction over the conducts of candidates of various political parties in the elections.
TMS News interviewed some residents in Bwari and Kuduru communities of the area council on Thursday and they all expressed optimism towards the election.
Mr Ali Shokwoduza a civil servants resident in Bwari said he is confident that the poll will be free and fair going by the conducts of the various candidates.
“I am optimistic for a free and fair council election come Saturday, you can see how peaceful the candidates are conducting themselves so far.
“The campaigns have also been peaceful devoid of inflammatory rhetorics which is a sign that the election will be free from violence.” Shekwoduza said.
Another resident of Kuduru who gave her name as Laraba Micah said she cannot wait to cast her vote on Saturday, saying that she is sure her vote will count.
“I cannot wait for Saturday to come so I can go and vote for my preferred candidates in the election.
“I am also going to mobilize women in my neighborhood to vote. I have been voting since 2007 and I am not stopping anytime soon because I believe that my vote counts.” She said.
A security officer in Bwari who spoke to TMS News on condition of anonymity said so far there is no security threat to the Saturday election in Bwari area council. He said everywhere is calm and that the police and sister security agencies in the council have made adequate arrangements to ensure security of voters, electoral officers and materials.
“I can assure you that everything is calm and under control. You can see for yourself how everybody is going about their business without any fear or panic.
“Don’t forget that the restriction of movement announced by the police is a measure to ensure that everyone is safe during the election.” He said
Recall that TMS News had reported that candidates of different political parties participating in the Saturday election had signed a peace accord before the independent National Electoral Commission INEC and other critical stakeholders in the FCT.
The FCT police command also on Thursday announced restriction of movement between 12am and 4pm on the election day.