The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its readiness for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, announcing the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across all polling units to enhance transparency and credibility.

The commission made the disclosure during a high-level stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, outlining its comprehensive strategy to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral exercise scheduled for February 21, 2026.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN), emphasized the commission’s commitment to neutrality and professionalism. According to him, every eligible voter in the FCT will have the opportunity to freely choose their representatives without interference.

BVAS Boosts Transparency in FCT Elections

A total of 2,822 polling units have been designated across the FCT, with 3,345 BVAS devices allocated to facilitate voter accreditation and real-time result transmission through the Result Viewing Portal. The move is aimed at strengthening public trust in the process.

With four officials assigned to each polling unit—one presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers—the commission is expected to deploy no fewer than 11,288 ad hoc personnel for the election. INEC also confirmed that 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats would be mobilized to ensure seamless logistics.

Amupitan warned against electoral malpractices, stating that operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would be stationed at strategic locations to deter vote trading.

“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” he said, underscoring the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on electoral offenses.

Sensitive materials, including ballot papers, BVAS machines, and result sheets, have undergone thorough checks and are being transported to council offices ahead of election day. Officials noted that early deployment was designed to eliminate logistical bottlenecks and ensure a seamless voting experience.

INEC further disclosed that 89 observer groups and 700 journalists have been accredited to monitor the exercise, reflecting the commission’s openness to scrutiny and transparency.

Seventeen political parties have fielded 637 candidates to contest 68 elective positions across 62 wards in the FCT. With 1,680,315 registered voters, the election is expected to be keenly contested.

Polling will take place in six area councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji, where chairmen and councillors will be elected.

Police Announce Movement Restrictions

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has declared a restriction of movement across the territory from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day to maintain order and security.

In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, residents were informed that the security arrangement forms part of a comprehensive operational order involving multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, directed officers to remain professional, impartial, and courteous throughout the operation, while respecting citizens’ rights.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with security personnel and comply with guidelines, with assurances of adequate protection for voters and election officials.

As preparations enter the final phase, INEC has reiterated its non-partisan stance. “INEC does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate,” Amupitan declared. “Our mandate is clear: to provide the enabling environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory to freely choose their representatives.”

With logistics in place, security agencies mobilized, and transparency measures strengthened, attention now shifts to election day, as stakeholders anticipate a credible and peaceful democratic exercise in the nation’s capital.