Destiny Ugorji
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering a credible, peaceful and transparent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Prof. Amupitan gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Abuja, where he emphasized that while INEC holds the constitutional mandate to conduct elections, the success of the process depends on the collective efforts of political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and voters.
He described the meeting as a crucial platform for dialogue ahead of the poll, stressing that all parties must demonstrate restraint and responsibility to guarantee a successful exercise.
Millions Set to Vote Across Six Councils
The INEC Chairman disclosed that 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across 2,822 polling units spread across the six Area Councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
He noted that 570 candidates are vying for 68 elective positions, including Chairmanship, Vice-Chairmanship and 62 Councillorship seats. According to him, the FCT Area Council election remains unique as the only local government poll conducted by INEC nationwide.
Providing an update on preparations, Prof. Amupitan revealed that the Commission has completed 11 of the 13 activities outlined in its electoral timetable. The remaining activities include the official close of campaigns at midnight on February 19 and the conduct of the election two days later.
He also highlighted the successful completion of Permanent Voter Card distribution on February 10, with 106,099 cards collected during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, an indication of growing voter interest.
Observers, Media and BVAS Deployment
INEC has accredited 89 local and international observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organisations to monitor and report on the election.
The Commission further confirmed that the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed in all polling units, while election results will be transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). A recent mock accreditation exercise conducted across 289 polling units reportedly recorded satisfactory outcomes.
To ensure efficient movement of election materials and personnel, INEC has secured 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats, while polling is expected to commence by 8:30 a.m. on Election Day.
Anti-Graft Agencies to Monitor Polls
Reiterating INEC’s neutrality, Prof. Amupitan stressed that the Commission has no preferred candidate or political party. He warned that vote trading would attract stiff sanctions, revealing that officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will be deployed to monitor compliance and arrest offenders.
“Vote buying remains a serious threat to democracy and will not be tolerated,” he cautioned.
Preparations Began Early, Says REC
FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris, stated that preparations for the election commenced on January 22, 2025, with activities such as monitoring party primaries, publication of candidates’ credentials, voter register display and PVC distribution.
He explained that the Commission is re-displaying the voter register at polling units to help voters confirm their voting centres, a step introduced to address voter relocation challenges experienced during the 2022 elections.
The REC urged residents to participate actively in the election, while calling on the media to disseminate verified information. He also appealed to party agents, observers and ad hoc staff to carry out their duties professionally.
Stakeholders Commend INEC Readiness
National Commissioner overseeing the FCT, Mallam Muhammad Kuku Haruna, described the stakeholders’ meeting as one of the Commission’s final consultations ahead of the poll. He disclosed that on-the-spot assessments had been conducted in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, with reports indicating a high level of preparedness.
Haruna stressed the constitutional importance of the FCT election, noting that it remains the only council poll conducted by INEC since 1999.
The Secretary representing the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) FCT Chairman, Adama Umar Yahaya, commended INEC for maintaining transparency and assured that political parties remain committed to peaceful and credible elections.
Similarly, FCT Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ateli Samson, praised the Commission for the extensive training given to corps members who will serve as ad hoc staff, pledging continued support and supervision.
Police Promise Robust Security
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye of the FCT Police Command, announced that security agencies have mapped out extensive deployment plans across polling units and other strategic locations.
He revealed that security operatives have held several consultations and conducted visits to identified flashpoints to strengthen election security, assuring residents of adequate protection throughout the voting period.
The stakeholders’ forum concluded with an interactive session during which participants sought clarification on electoral procedures. Following the meeting, Prof. Amupitan and other INEC officials proceeded to a session of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to further harmonise security arrangements ahead of Saturday’s election.