INEC reviews plans, rallies critical stakeholders for success in FCT Council polls

*Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, describes the all-embracing stakeholder engagement as a veritable opportunity and shared responsibility for open and constructive discussion as the FCT Area Council polls hold Saturday, February 21

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

With few days to the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the conduct of credible elections, including the the FCT Council polls, is a shared responsibility.

ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, stated this Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during his meeting with cross-sections of critical stakeholders in the electoral ecosystem, in Abuja, FCT.

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These include leaders of political parties, candidates in the forthcoming elections, representatives of security agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media, development partners, and other critical stakeholders.

The Chairman of INEC emphasised the engagement with the critical stakeholders has  provided the Commission with an important opportunity for “open and constructive discussion” towards the Election Day on Saturday.

Amupitan declared that “the conduct of credible elections is a shared responsibility.”

He also reminded the participants of the fact that the Commission is constitutionally mandated to organise, undertake and supervise elections.

He, however, noted that the success of such elections depends on “the cooperation, restraint and commitment of all stakeholders acting within the framework of the law.”

Some statistics on upcoming FCT Area Council elections

Speaking at the meeting with the stakeholders Wednesday, Prof. Amupitan revealed the election would involve 1,680,315 registered voters, who would cast their ballots in 2,822 polling units spread across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

These are namely Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

He stated that a total of 570 candidates is contesting 68 constituencies for the positions of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, as well as 62 Councilorship seats, comprising 10 wards each in five Area Councils and 12 wards in the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

The Chairman averred: “These figures underscore the scale of the exercise and the responsibility placed upon all of us to ensure its success.

“It is important to note that the FCT Area Council Election remains the only Local Government Election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

According to him, over the years, it has become a reference point for Local Government elections conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions, particularly because of the diversity reflected in its outcomes.

He noted that the credibility of this process has strengthened confidence in grassroots democracy in Nigeria.

“As we approach Saturday, 21st February, 2026, we must collectively resolve to raise the bar even higher.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Commission has successfully implemented all activities contained in the 13-item Timetable and Schedule of Activities for this election,” said the Chairman.

He equally reminded his audience that only two milestones remain in the electoral process.

Amupitan said the first is the conclusion of campaigns, which must end at midnight Thursday, 19th February, 2026.

The second is the conduct of the election itself on Saturday, 21st February, 2026.

He stated: “The Commission has kept faith with its commitments, and we expect political parties and candidates to equally comply with the law as the campaign period draws to a close.

“The distribution of Permanent Voter Cards ended on 10th February 2026.

“During the exercise, 106,099 PVCs from the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which was suspended in the FCT on Sunday, 12th October 2025, were collected.

“This demonstrates the interest of residents of the Federal Capital Territory in participating in the electoral process.”

Collection of PVCs and voter participation in elections

Prof. Amupitan, in his address, also encouraged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully on Election Day and exercise their franchise in an orderly manner.

He said consistent with our commitment to transparency and inclusiveness, the Commission had accredited 89 domestic and foreign observer groups to observe the election.

Besides, the Chairman disclosed 700 journalists representing 72 domestic and foreign media organisations have been accredited to cover the process.

Amupitan said: “We appreciate their role in strengthening public confidence, and urge them to discharge their responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

“The Commission has concluded the training and deployment arrangements for election duty personnel.”

He explained that for Saturday’s election, 11,873 Polling Unit Officials, including officials for the 195 split polling units, would serve across the Territory.

“They will be supported by 282 Supervisory Presiding Officers, 68 Local Government Area and Registration Area Supervisors and Monitors, 68 Registration Area Centre Managers, 208 Registration Area and LGA Technical Support Staff, as well as 192 Registration Area and LGA Collation Officers.

“The emphasis throughout has been on strict adherence to the Electoral Act, the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines, and on professionalism, neutrality and efficiency in the discharge of duties,” said he.

Prof. Amupitan further affirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded, and would be deployed in all 2,822 polling units across the Federal Capital Territory for voter accreditation, and results would be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal in accordance with established procedures.

The Commission revealed all the required BVAS devices for the polling units, including those for the 195 split polling units, as well as the additional five percent backup, have been thoroughly tested and fully charged for deployment on Election Day.

To further strengthen public confidence, the Commission conducted a mock accreditation exercise using the improved BVAS in 289 polling units across the FCT.

The outcome of that exercise was satisfactory, and we are confident in the effectiveness and reliability of the system for this election.

According to the Chairman, logistics remains central to the successful conduct of elections.

He recalled that INEC, Monday, 16th February 2026, met with the leadership of the transport unions responsible for providing the bulk of vehicles required for election duty.

For this election, 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats will be deployed, he noted.

We made it unequivocally clear that there must be no lapses in logistics on Election Day.

Polling units are expected to open promptly at 8.30 a.m.

He stated: “We held extensive discussions and are confident that the unions will fulfil their obligations to ensure timely movement of personnel and materials.

“As we approach Election Day, the Commission has substantially discharged its responsibilities.”

He equally noted: “What remains is for all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that the election is peaceful, credible and that its outcome is widely accepted.

“Let me reiterate that INEC does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate.

“Our mandate is clear: to provide the enabling environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory to freely choose their representatives on 21st February, 2026.

Appeal to political parties for proper conduct during, after elections

Prof. Amupitan stated: “I call on candidates and party leaders to prevail on their supporters to act responsibly, respect the rules and allow the will of the people to prevail.

“There is, however, one issue that must be addressed directly, and that is vote trading or vote buying.

“The Commission has given an express mandate to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to deploy their personnel to polling units.”

The Commission restated that any individual found buying or selling votes would be apprehended, and dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Vote trading undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. It must not be tolerated,” he declared.

Amupitan added: “I urge all stakeholders to recommit themselves to peaceful conduct and strict compliance with the law.

“Security agencies must remain professional and impartial. Political parties must conduct themselves responsibly.

“The media must report accurately. Observers must remain objective. Voters must turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise freely.”

INEC said the collective duty of stakeholders is to ensure that people cast their votes freely, and such votes are counted accurately and reflected transparently.

He urged all: “Let us raise the bar and consolidate the FCT’s standing as a model for Local Government elections in Nigeria. The Commission stands ready to fulfil its mandate.”

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