📍 Abuja | Media360Impact Report
By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday intensified preparations for the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, with Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan leading national commissioners and senior management staff to Kuje Area Council.
Describing the poll as a critical test of the Commission’s standards and credibility, Prof. Amupitan said the full leadership presence underscored the significance of the FCT election.
“All logistics must be finalized, including activation of Registration Area Centres (RACs) on Friday, early deployment of personnel, and commencement of accreditation and voting by 8:30 a.m. on election day,” he directed.
The INEC Chairman also emphasized proper result management and mandatory upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, noting ongoing improvements in electronic collation.
“For us to close down the Commission’s headquarters and move to an Area Council, you know it is serious business. This election is very dear to our hearts,” he said, reminding officials that campaigns would end on February 19 in line with the electoral timetable.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, Prof. Amupitan warned:
“What is unseen today will be seen on examination day. Examination day is February 21. We will know whether you qualify to continue to answer that name and whether you can set the standard for INEC from here.”
He stressed punctuality, diligence, and strict adherence to the law, cautioning officials against any breach of the Constitution, Electoral Act, or INEC regulations.
“I don’t want anybody to go to jail. The best way to stay out of that is to play in accordance with the rules. Any action taken by ad hoc or permanent staff will be viewed as the action of the Commission itself.”
Prof. Amupitan urged officials to start elections on time, ensure a peaceful process, and upload results before nightfall. He also called for renewed voter awareness and public trust:
“There is no electoral process that can be credible if you don’t have trust. Nigeria is at a crucial stage. You cannot afford to fail.”
The FCT election is widely seen as a litmus test for INEC’s operational efficiency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
