Security agents have beefed up security at the FCT quarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the Central Business District (CBD).

This is just as the Area Councils’ election commences on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that as of 7:30 a.m., police and other paramilitary vehicles were stationed at the entrance of the commission, while security personnel had taken charge of movements in and around the premises.

A visit to some polling units in the CBD revealed that both INEC officials and election materials were arriving ahead of the election.

At polling units 007, 008, 005, 011, located in Area 2 Shopping Centre, security officials and election materials had arrived, while INEC officials were setting up the polling units for the election at 8:18 a.m.

In polling unit 006, election materials and staff were yet to arrive as of 8: 20 a.m., though security personnel were already at the centre awaiting their arrival.

A total of 475 candidates nominated by 18 political parties, including the APC and PDP, were featured in the chairmanship and councillorship election in the six area councils of the FCT comprising Bwari, Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC).

The election was slated to commence by 8:30 a.m. and end by 2:30 p.m.

(NAN)