By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that the conduct of credible elections is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, as preparations reach their final stage for the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, made the assertion on Wednesday at an enlarged stakeholders’ forum held at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.
Addressing political party leaders, chairmanship candidates, security agencies, civil society groups, and members of the media, Amupitan emphasized that while INEC is constitutionally mandated to organize and supervise elections, the success of the process depends on the cooperation of all actors within the framework of the law.

The INEC Chairman disclosed that 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across 2,822 polling units spread over the six area councils of the FCT. A total of 570 candidates will contest for 68 elective positions, comprising chairmanship and councillorship seats.

He described the FCT as a “microcosm of Nigeria,” noting that the council election is the only local government poll conducted directly by INEC, making it a benchmark for State Independent Electoral Commissions nationwide.
“Because Abuja is the seat of power and capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the attention of the entire country and the international community will be on this election,” he said.

Amupitan confirmed that the Commission has successfully implemented 11 out of the 13 activities in its election timetable. The only outstanding items are the conclusion of campaigns — which must end at midnight on February 19 — and Election Day proceedings.

He revealed that 106,099 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were collected following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in October 2025, describing the turnout as evidence of strong public interest in the electoral process.
INEC accredited 89 domestic and foreign observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organizations to monitor and cover the election.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, assured residents of robust security arrangements, including the deployment of personnel to identified flashpoints to guarantee voter safety.

INEC also confirmed the deployment of:
11,873 polling officials
282 Supervisory Presiding Officers
68 Registration Area Supervisors
208 technical support staff
192 collation officers
For logistics, the Commission will deploy 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats, particularly to riverine areas of Abaji Area Council.

Amupitan stressed that election materials and personnel would be moved to Registration Area Centres (RACs) ahead of Election Day to ensure polls commence promptly at 8:30 a.m.
“Our benchmark for success is simple — timely commencement, peaceful conduct, transparent result management, and prompt declaration of results,” he stated.

The INEC Chairman assured stakeholders that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded and deployed to all polling units, including 195 split polling units, with an additional five percent backup devices available, he added BVAS Upgraded, Results to Be Electronically Transmitted.

A mock accreditation exercise conducted in 289 polling units yielded satisfactory results, boosting confidence in the system’s reliability. Results, he added, will be uploaded through the Commission’s Result Viewing Portal in line with established procedures.

Amupitan raised concern over vote trading, describing it as a major threat to electoral integrity. He called on the Nigeria Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intensify efforts in arresting and prosecuting offenders.
While noting commendations received for the recent Anambra election, he stressed that the FCT poll must surpass previous standards,
“INEC does not arrest or investigate. We rely on security agencies, he emphasize the commission “Zero Tolerance for Vote Buying”.

He however, noted that the commission legal department is ready to prosecute once investigations are concluded,” he said.

Speaking at the forum, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Aminu; Supervising National Commissioner, Mallam Haruna Kudu; representatives of political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC); and the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Samson, commended INEC’s level of preparedness.

They urged voters to turn out peacefully and called on the media and observers to remain professional and objective in their duties.

Standard Times Nigeria can confirm the key statistics that will determine the FCT polls:
Registered Voters, 1,680,315
Male, 909,912
Female, 770,403
Persons with Disabilities, 3,000
Polling Units, 2,822
Registration Areas, 62
Elective Positions, 68

As the FCT heads to the polls on Saturday, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a free, fair, and credible election, urging political actors and voters alike to play their part in strengthening grassroots democracy.