By John Umeh
The Obidient Movement has flagged what it described as a glitch in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s results portal during the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In a statement issued Saturday and titled “Alert from the Obidient Movement Headquarters,” the group’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, alleged that results uploaded from several polling units were not reflecting on the server of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to the statement, information reaching the movement suggested that while the IReV server appeared active, results reportedly transmitted successfully from the field were not visible to the public.
Elections Across Six Area Councils
The concern comes as voters across the six FCT area councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali — cast ballots to elect chairmen and councillors. The elections are widely seen as a key test of grassroots political structures in the nation’s capital.
The Obidient Movement urged its supporters and other Nigerians to remain vigilant throughout the collation process. It called on citizens to peacefully observe proceedings, particularly at the Area 10 INEC office and in Karu, where collation activities are ongoing.
Supporters were also advised to retain accurate results from their respective polling units to enable verification if necessary. The group emphasized the need for calm, lawful conduct, and peaceful participation in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Role of IReV in Transparency
The INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV) was introduced by the electoral body to improve transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s elections. The platform allows polling unit results to be uploaded directly from the field and viewed online in near real time.
As of press time, INEC had not issued an official response to the alleged malfunction. Observers say any technical issues, if confirmed, could heighten tension in what is already a closely watched electoral exercise in the FCT.
Security agencies have maintained a visible presence across the area councils to ensure that the voting and collation processes proceed without disruption.
