The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinforced its stance as an impartial umpire, stating unequivocally that it has no political party or preferred candidate in the upcoming 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections, reports ITREALMS.
Addressing the assembly in Abuja, the Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, emphasized that INEC’s mandate is strictly limited to providing a level playing field for all contestants while ensuring that every eligible resident can freely choose their local representatives.
He challenged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves with the utmost responsibility, urging them to respect electoral rules and allow the democratic will of the people to prevail without interference.
A major focal point of the Chairman's address was the proactive strategy to eliminate vote trading, which he described as a severe threat to the integrity of the electoral process and a direct erosion of public confidence in democratic institutions.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has formally mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to deploy specialized personnel to polling units across the Territory to apprehend anyone engaging in vote buying or selling.
He warned that individuals caught in these illegal acts will face immediate prosecution, emphasizing that the sanctity of the ballot must remain absolute. Voters were encouraged to reject all forms of financial inducement and to safeguard their votes, as the ballot remains the only legitimate instrument for determining grassroots leadership.
The Commission further appealed for professional conduct from all sectors, calling on security agencies to remain impartial, the media to provide accurate reporting, and observers to discharge their duties objectively in accordance with established guidelines.
Malam Mohamed Kudu Haruna, the National Commissioner supervising the FCT, noted that the Area Council Election is unique as the only local government poll conducted directly by INEC, a tradition of consistency and multi-party representation maintained since 1999.
FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Malam Aminu Idrisi and the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, both assured the public that comprehensive logistical and security arrangements are in place to protect the 1,680,315 registered voters expected at the 2,822 polling units.
With 570 candidates vying for 68 constituencies, including six Chairmanship and 62 Councillorship seats, INEC is leveraging the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission to the IReV portal to ensure that every vote cast is accurately reflected in the final tally.
By Chuks Egbune ITREALMS Online
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