The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate in the forthcoming 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.
The assurance was given on Wednesday, at a stakeholders’ meeting convened ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, stressed that INEC’s mandate is clear and limited to providing a level playing field for all contestants and ensuring that residents of the FCT freely choose their representatives.
He called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, respect the rules and allow the will of the people to prevail at the polls.
The INEC Chairman addressed concerns relating to vote buying and vote selling, describing the practice as a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
He disclosed that the Commission has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to deploy personnel to polling units across the Territory.
According to him, any individual found engaging in vote trading will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He emphasised that vote buying undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions, adding that it will not be tolerated.
Prof. Amupitan urged voters to reject inducements and safeguard the integrity of their votes, noting that the ballot remains the most legitimate means of determining leadership at the grassroots level.
He further appealed to security agencies to remain professional and impartial, to the media to report accurately and responsibly, and to observers to discharge their responsibilities objectively in line with established guidelines.
Also speaking, the National Commissioner supervising the FCT, Malam Mohamed Kudu Haruna, stated that the Commission has substantially discharged its responsibilities, with only the conclusion of campaigns and Election Day outstanding.
He described the FCT Area Council Election as unique, noting that it is the only local government election conducted by INEC and has remained consistent since 1999, with different political parties winning seats and no recourse to caretaker arrangements.
He urged stakeholders to sustain this record by ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Malam Aminu Idrisi, appealed to voters to turn out peacefully to cast their ballots.
He also urged party agents, observers and ad hoc staff to carry out their duties diligently and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, assured stakeholders that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place.
He disclosed that security personnel have been strategically deployed to polling units and Registration Area Centres, with contingency plans to respond swiftly to any emergency.
He encouraged residents of the FCT to come out en masse on Saturday, 21st February 2026, and exercise their franchise without fear, assuring them that security agencies are fully prepared to safeguard lives, electoral personnel and materials.
The Commission called on all stakeholders to recommit themselves to peaceful conduct and strict adherence to the law to ensure that votes cast across the Territory are freely made, accurately counted and transparently reflected.
Representing the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) FCT Chairman, Secretary Adama Umar Yahaya commended INEC’s transparency and reaffirmed political parties’ commitment to peaceful and credible elections.
Also, the FCT Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ateli Samson, commended the Commission for the intensive training provided to corps members who will serve as ad hoc staff and assured continued support and supervision.
Stakeholders, including representatives of the political parties, the FCT Administration Civil Society and youth organisations, pledged their commitment to peaceful conduct and adherence to the rules.
Immediately after the stakeholders’ forum, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, led other members of the Commission to an Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting to further review and harmonize security strategies ahead of the election.
Source – DAILY BULLETIN
(vitalnewsngr.com)
