FCT Elections: 2 Injured, 500 Ballot Papers Missing In Kwali

Some youths in Bako Village in Kwali Area Council of the FCT on Saturday went on rampage, following the discovery that 500 ballot papers were missing in their polling unit. An eyewitness said that after accreditation and voting, the presiding officer of the Dabi polling unit counted the ballot papers and discovered that instead of 3000 ballot papers, he had 2,500. ”This led to arguments between the presiding officer, party agents and party supporters at the centre, resulting in violence that left two people injured. ”This situation was however, brought under control by security agents attached to the centre”, Jeremiah Isaiah said. As at the time of this report, the centre was deserted and pockets of youths were seen discussing in hushed tones the possible effect of the violence on the voting in the area. Also, some voters were seen milling around hopeful that the situation would be resolved soon. ”Just like a dream, the situation escalated into violence. ” The party supporters believe that the 500 missing ballot papers have been taken to a place where they will be thumb printed in favour of a particular candidate. ”This can lead to outright cancellation of the voting process in Dabi”, a security agent, who pleaded anonymity said. A voter, Adamu Musa, expressed disappointment over his inability to vote after travelled from Minna to exercise his voting right. ”I woke up very early to drive to Dabi today only to get here and this sad occurrence took place. I am very disappointed. ”I hope it will not affect the candidate I believe will bring a turnaround and excellent standard of living to my area”, Musa said. Credit: Vanguard