The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will deploy 3,345 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
The commission said the BVAS devices would be used in all 2,822 polling units across the FCT to accredit voters and upload results directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal. The move, according to INEC, is aimed at ensuring transparency and credibility in the conduct of the elections.
The Chairman of the FCT INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known on Wednesday during a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Abuja. He said the commission had made adequate preparations and remained committed to delivering a peaceful and credible poll.
“Our mandate is clear,” Amupitan said. “INEC does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate. We are here to provide an enabling environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory to freely choose their representatives.”
INEC disclosed that no fewer than 11,288 ad hoc staff would be deployed to manage the election. To ensure smooth movement of personnel and materials, the commission said it had arranged 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats.
Amupitan stressed that there must be no logistical failure on election day. He said materials would be delivered early to polling units to avoid delays that could discourage voters.
In addition, 89 observer groups and 700 journalists have been accredited to monitor the process. The presence of observers and media is expected to improve public confidence and ensure that the election meets acceptable standards.
INEC also revealed that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) would be present at polling units to deter vote buying and other electoral offences.
“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Amupitan warned.
Vote trading has been a major concern in recent elections across the country. Civil society groups have often raised alarm about politicians inducing voters with cash or gifts in exchange for votes. INEC said it is determined to curb such practices in the FCT poll.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has announced a restriction of movement across the FCT from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said the restriction is part of security measures to ensure a peaceful exercise.
Only essential service providers and election officials will be allowed to move during the restricted hours.
“The public is hereby informed that there will be a restriction of movement across the FCT from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on February 21, 2026, except for essential service providers and election officials,” Adeh said.
She urged residents to cooperate fully with security personnel and comply with guidelines during the election period.
The police said a large number of officers had been deployed across the territory under a comprehensive operational plan. The operation involves collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Miller Dantawaye, has directed all officers to maintain professionalism and impartiality.
“He charged all deployed officers to ensure adequate security at polling units and collation centres in order to guarantee a peaceful, free and fair electoral process,” Adeh said.
The police also warned officers to remain courteous and respect the rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.
The elections will take place in six area councils of the FCT: Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji.
Chairmen and councillors will be elected to oversee local administration in these councils. In total, 68 elective positions are being contested across 62 political wards.
INEC said 17 political parties have fielded 637 candidates for the election. A total of 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the polls.
Many political actors have described the election as a test run ahead of the 2027 general elections. They believe the conduct of the FCT poll will show how prepared INEC and security agencies are for future nationwide elections.
As election day draws near, campaign activities have increased across the six area councils. Posters and banners of candidates are visible in many parts of Abuja and surrounding communities. Political rallies and meetings have also been held, with parties urging residents to come out and vote.
INEC has called on political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully. The commission warned against hate speech, violence and any action that could disrupt the electoral process.
Security agencies have also assured residents that adequate measures are in place to prevent unrest. They said anyone found trying to cause trouble would face the law.
For many residents, the election is an opportunity to choose leaders who will address local issues such as road repairs, sanitation, primary healthcare and education. Area council chairmen and councillors play a direct role in grassroots development.
With thousands of officials, security personnel and observers deployed, attention is now focused on Saturday’s vote. Residents of the FCT are expected to come out early, comply with movement restrictions and cast their ballots peacefully.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the conduct of the FCT area council elections will once again test the country’s commitment to free, fair and transparent polls.
