Ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, alongside National Commissioners Chairman's Aides and Directors of the Commission undertook a readiness assessment visit to selected Area Councils in the FCT. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for FCT, Mallam Aminu K. Idris and the Administrative Secretary Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye were also part of the delegation.
The delegation visited Kuje, Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils, where they were received by the respective Electoral Officers (EOs): Mr. Yakubu Allawa (Kuje), Mr. Bola Abdullahi (Gwagwalada) and Mrs. Gloria Adebayo-Stephen (Bwari).
Addressing staff during the visits, the Chairman emphasised that INEC, as established by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, functions as an institution. He noted that Electoral Officers represent the Commission at the Area Council level and are directly responsible for its operations within their jurisdictions. He reminded officials that the conduct of elections is guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines, urging strict compliance in the discharge of their duties.
At each Area Council visited, the Electoral Officers presented briefs on the state of preparedness, including arrangements for the distribution of materials, activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs), deployment plans and coordination with security agencies.
In Bwari Area Council, the Electoral Officer, Mrs. Gloria Adebayo-Stephen, in addition to her operational briefing, presented a customised card signed by members of staff of the Area Council office as a mark of solidarity and commitment to the successful conduct of the election. The gesture reflected the collective resolve of the staff to carry out their responsibilities in line with the Commission’s guidelines.
The Chairman stated that the purpose of the visit was to assess preparedness and confirm that arrangements were in place for the smooth conduct of the election. He directed that all materials be delivered to the RACs on Friday preceding election day to enable timely deployment to polling units. He also stressed that ad-hoc staff and security personnel must report to the RACs as scheduled to facilitate early movement to polling units, with accreditation and voting expected to commence at 8:30 a.m.
During the inspection, the Chairman visited storage facilities to verify the availability and batching of non-sensitive materials. He underscored the importance of adequate security deployment to maintain order and safeguard personnel and materials, particularly in identified areas of concern.
The Chairman reiterated that results are to be counted and declared at polling units, entered into the prescribed forms and transmitted in line with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines. He also confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed for accreditation and upload of polling unit results.
He reminded all officials of their obligation to maintain neutrality and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities and urged Electoral Officers to ensure full compliance with established procedures.
The visit forms part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the FCT Area Council Elections are conducted in accordance with the law and established guidelines.
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