INEC Chair urges FCT personnel to ensure timely deployment, integrity

*Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, urges personnel of the INEC FCT Office to restore public confidence in the electoral process with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has charged staff of the Commission in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take full responsibility for the successful conduct of the upcoming Area Council elections slated for February 21, 2026.

The Chairman of INEC gave the charge Monday, February 16, 2026, during a meeting with Management and Staff of the INEC FCT office.

UK begins issuance of e-Visas to all Nigerian travellers February 25 –Official

ConsumerConnect reports the Commission disclosed the meeting with the personnel held at the Area Council office, in Abuja, as part of Prof. Amupitan ‘s readiness assessment visit for next Saturday’s Area Council elections.

He urged the workers to restore public confidence in the electoral process through diligence, transparency and strict adherence to the rule of law.

READ ALSO: Transporters, Commuters Stranded On Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu-Benin Highways –Report

Ogun Clears Retirees’ 8-Year Arrears Of Pensions And Gratuities

NCC Receives Leadership Of ATCON On Courtesy Visit (Photo News)

The INEC Chairman, who had earlier embarked on an assessment tour of the facilities in the FCT Office, also reminded the staff that INEC is a creation of the Constitution with a clear mandate to conduct elections for specific offices, including the Chairman and Councillors of the six Area Councils in the FCT.

Amupitan explained that constitutional design, the FCT has the status of a state, making the Area Council elections the only local government election conducted by INEC nationwide.

Describing elections as the lifeblood of democracy, the Chairman said the FCT polls present another opportunity for the Commission to demonstrate professionalism and competence before Nigerians and the international community.

Prof. Amupitan further asserted: “Now it is your turn to showcase to the country and indeed the whole world what you can do.”

The Chairman stated that both local and international observers would be monitoring the exercise closely at the weekend.

He particularly addressed Electoral Officers (EOs), whom he described as the Commission’s representatives closest to the grassroots.

According to him, several citizens may never meet the INEC Chairman but interact regularly with EOs, making their role critical to shaping public perception of the Commission.

The Chairman averred: “The success of this election rests largely on how you discharge your responsibilities.”

According to him, no amount of public relations would restore trust in the electoral process if actions on the field did not match the Commission’s guidelines and regulations.

Prof. Amupitan acknowledged that while Nigeria has one of the most robust electoral legal frameworks, public trust remains a challenge.

He attributed this largely to human factors and called on staff to rise above personal interests and act strictly within the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines.

Amupitan equally reminded the staff that ignorance of the law is not an excuse.

Election officials must be conversant with relevant provisions guiding accreditation, voting, collation and result management, he declared.

The Chairman of the Commission warned that false declarations and dereliction of duty attract legal consequences under the law.

The INEC Chairman disclosed that training of various categories of ad hoc staff, including presiding officers, collation officers and returning officers, was ongoing, with emphasis on compliance with procedures and the consequences of misconduct.

On the use of technology, Prof. Amupitan reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging innovation to strengthen electoral integrity.

He noted that since 2022, INEC has deployed the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) nationwide and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the devices during the recent mock accreditation exercise in the FCT.

Amupitan, therefore, urged staff to use technology to the Commission’s advantage and ensure proper reconciliation of results at the point of collation in line with the law, including cross-checking figures with accreditation data before declaration.

The Chairman identified timely commencement of voting as a key benchmark for success in the forthcoming election.

He directed that all Registration Area Centres (RACs) be activated on Friday, 20th February, with security personnel and vehicles in place to guarantee seamless deployment of personnel and materials.

If polling units are set up by 8:00 a.m. and voting commences by 8:30 a.m. as scheduled, it would signal seriousness of purpose and enhance public confidence, stated he.

Besides, Prof. Amupitan emphasised the importance of proactive communication, directing that any challenge encountered on Election Day be reported promptly to the Commission rather than allowing misinformation to dominate media narratives.

INEC, he stressed, must remain the primary source of information on electoral matters.

On security, Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had conducted a comprehensive risk analysis of the FCT and identified flashpoints in parts of Bwari, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils.

He said INEC was working closely with security agencies and the National Peace Committee to ensure adequate protection of personnel, voters and materials.

The Chairman further highlighted result management, peaceful conduct of the election and inclusivity, particularly for persons with disabilities, as additional indicators of success.

Amupitan as well expressed optimism that issues, such as ballot box snatching had largely been curtailed in Nigeria.

He urged the staff to ensure that no form of electoral malpractice is recorded in the FCT.

In regard to staff welfare, Amupitan acknowledged the demanding nature of INEC’s responsibilities across all tiers of government.

He disclosed that the Commission had commenced processes aimed at improving the welfare of staff, including work towards a special cadre for INEC personnel.

Reaffirming the Commission’s support for the FCT office, the Chairman directed that all approved funds for the Area Council election be released promptly to ensure seamless operations.

Urging the INEC FCT Office staff to see the election as a personal and national responsibility, the Chairman declared: “This is another test case for us. Let us get it right. There shall be no compromise.”

Earlier in his remarks, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Aminu Idris, had presented an update on the state of preparedness for the Area Council Elections.

Idris assured Chairman Prof. Amupitan that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed to the six area council offices.

We have received all the non-sensitive materials, which have been moved to the area council offices. Training of staff commenced on 13th – 15th February, 2026, and we are conducting additional training today to address the shortfall in turnout, Idris stated.

He added that the Commission had requested additional support to ensure seamless execution of electoral activities and expressed optimism that by the end of the day, the exact number of staff to be deployed for the election would be ascertained.

Delivering a vote of thanks, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, expressed gratitude to the INEC Chairman for the visit and urged staff to take his charge seriously. INEC is one.

“Let us continue to work together as one, give our best, and make sacrifices for Nigeria,” she said.

Mrs. Oladunjoye also acknowledged the dedication of FCT staff and called for continued synergy among all departments to ensure the success of the Area Council Elections.

Kindly Share This Story