By Prosper Okoye
Traders at the United AMAC Market, Lugbe in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), on Tuesday, 21st April 2026, elected new market executives in their first-ever electronic voting exercise, marking a significant shift from the traditional manual system long criticised for irregularities.
The election witnessed strong participation despite initial resistance to the new technology-based process. A total of 502 traders were accredited, while 392 successfully cast their votes.
Due to heightened tension surrounding the exercise, security personnel from multiple agencies were deployed to maintain order throughout the voting process.
Chairperson of the Independent AMAC Electoral Committee (IAMEC), Amb. Rosemary Etta Ebuta, described the exercise as largely peaceful, free, and credible, noting that the electronic system was introduced to curb recurring disputes and allegations of electoral malpractice.
She explained that persuading traders to embrace the new system remained the major challenge, but said the outcome justified the transition.
“The process can hardly be manipulated. In the past, elections here often ended in disputes, but this system reduces that risk,” she said.
Several traders also commended the new voting method, describing it as an improvement on previous elections which were often marred by delays, disruptions, and alleged irregularities such as power interruptions and ballot manipulation.
A jewellery dealer recalled that past elections frequently extended late into the night, creating room for confusion and disorder.
One of the chairmanship candidates, Mr. William Igwe, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing the process as smooth from accreditation through to voting.
Although an observer raised concerns over alleged vote buying and voter influence, many traders dismissed the claims as unfounded, insisting that the process reflected their true choices.
A voter, Galaxy Michael, said traders were more focused on electing leaders capable of addressing key challenges such as poor road access, inadequate parking space, and weak market organisation.
At the end of the exercise, Mr. Prince Ayodele emerged winner of the chairmanship position with 198 votes, sparking celebrations among his supporters.
The newly elected officials are expected to serve a two-year tenure, during which they are expected to oversee the affairs of the market and implement reforms aimed at improving operations and welfare.
