The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of a peaceful, transparent and credible Area Council election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has largely concluded preparations for the election, stressing that credible polls require collective responsibility among political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and the electorate.
“This engagement provides an opportunity for open and constructive dialogue as we approach Election Day. While INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, their success depends on the cooperation, restraint and commitment of all stakeholders,” he said.
Over 1.6 Million Voters Expected
According to the INEC Chairman, a total of 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across 2,822 polling units located in the six Area Councils of Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
He further revealed that 570 candidates will contest 68 constituencies, including Chairmanship, Vice-Chairmanship and 62 Councillorship positions. Prof. Amupitan noted that the FCT Area Council election remains the only local government election conducted by INEC nationwide.
INEC has already completed 11 out of the 13 activities outlined in its electoral timetable. The remaining activities include the official end of political campaigns at midnight on Thursday, February 19, and the conduct of the election on Saturday, February 21.
The Commission also confirmed that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ended on February 10, with 106,099 cards collected during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, indicating strong voter participation.
Observers, Journalists, and Technology Deployment
Prof. Amupitan announced that INEC has accredited 89 domestic and international observer groups alongside 700 journalists from 72 media organisations to monitor the exercise.
He disclosed that the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed across all polling units, while election results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). A mock accreditation exercise conducted in 289 polling units reportedly produced satisfactory outcomes.
To guarantee smooth logistics, the Commission has secured 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats for election deployment, with polling expected to commence promptly at 8:30 a.m.
EFCC, ICPC to Crack Down on Vote Buying
Prof. Amupitan reiterated INEC’s neutrality, stressing that the Commission has no preferred candidate or political party. He issued a stern warning against vote trading, disclosing that operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will be deployed to apprehend offenders.
“Vote buying undermines democracy and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
REC Highlights Preparatory Efforts
In his welcome address, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris, stated that preparations for the election began as early as January 22, 2025. He listed key preparatory steps including monitoring party primaries, publication of candidates’ details, display of voter registers and PVC distribution.
He added that the Commission is re-displaying voter registers at polling units to assist voters in confirming their voting locations, a measure introduced to address challenges experienced during the 2022 elections due to voter migration.
The REC urged residents to turn out massively for the polls, while calling on the media to disseminate accurate information. He also appealed to party agents, observers and ad hoc staff to discharge their duties professionally.
Stakeholders Express Confidence in INEC
National Commissioner supervising the FCT, Mallam Muhammad Kuku Haruna, described the stakeholders’ meeting as one of the Commission’s final engagements ahead of the election. He revealed that INEC conducted field assessments in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari Area Councils and expressed satisfaction with the Commission’s preparedness.
Haruna stressed the constitutional significance of the FCT poll, noting that it remains the only council election conducted by INEC since 1999.
Representing the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) FCT Chairman, Secretary Adama Umar Yahaya commended INEC’s transparency and pledged political parties’ commitment to peaceful elections.
Similarly, the FCT Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ateli Samson, praised the Commission for extensive training provided to corps members who will serve as ad hoc electoral staff and assured continued support.
Police Assure Residents of Security
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Miller G. Dantawaye of the FCT Police Command, announced extensive security deployment across polling units and strategic locations. He disclosed that security agencies have conducted several stakeholder engagements and security planning sessions, including visits to flashpoints, to ensure voters’ safety.
Residents were encouraged to participate in the election without fear, as security operatives will be strategically positioned to respond swiftly to emergencies.
The forum ended with an interactive session where stakeholders sought clarifications from INEC and security agencies. Shortly after, Prof. Amupitan and other Commission members attended a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to fine-tune security arrangements ahead of Saturday’s poll.