Voting activities in the Karu axis of the Federal Capital Territory opened with cautious optimism but quickly slid into controversy as election officials confronted an unexpected distraction just metres from the ballot box.
At Polling Unit 114, Jikwoyi Dagbana (by the transformer), Karu Ward, voters trickled in early while party agents positioned themselves to monitor proceedings.
A lone Civil Defence officer stood watch as residents gathered, waiting for accreditation to begin.
Presiding officers were still putting final touches to preparations, arranging materials and briefing party representatives ahead of commencement.
Then attention shifted away from the ballot.
Barely a few steps from the polling area, a vehicle openly selling local herbal drugs parked near the unit — in direct contradiction to the election-day restriction on commercial activities.
Officials immediately raised concerns.
They expressed discomfort with the presence of the vendor so close to the voting area, warning it could disrupt order and compromise the sanctity of the process.
Rather than dispersing, some locals backed the trader’s presence, arguing there was no harm in remaining nearby despite the declared closure of businesses for the election.
The disagreement created a tense moment as electoral officers attempted to assert control without escalating the situation.
As of arrival time, accreditation had not started.
Materials were ready.
Party agents alert.
Security minimal but present.
Yet the biggest challenge facing the unit was not logistics.
it was enforcing compliance with election rules in the immediate environment.
At Jikwoyi Dagbana, democracy prepared to start under watchful eyes, but the first battle of the day was not between political parties.
It was between order and a roadside drug trade unfolding beside the ballot box.
