“No Forgiveness for  Electoral Fraud” – INEC Chairman Warns Ahead of FCT  Council Polls

The Joash Amupitan has sent a strong warning to politicians and voters in Abuja ahead of the Federal Capital Territory area council elections: any attempt to buy or sell votes will be crushed. Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Amupitan outlined the commission’s strategy to ensure the elections on February 21, 2026 are […]

The Joash Amupitan has sent a strong warning to politicians and voters in Abuja ahead of the Federal Capital Territory area council elections: any attempt to buy or sell votes will be crushed.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Amupitan outlined the commission’s strategy to ensure the elections on February 21, 2026 are free, fair, and transparent.

He revealed that over 1.6 million voters will cast ballots across 2,822 polling units, with 570 candidates competing for 68 local government seats. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed nationwide, and results will stream live to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, giving citizens real-time access.

Amupitan stressed that security agencies will crack down on electoral crimes, with the EFCC and ICPC on the ground to deter vote trading. “Anyone caught attempting to manipulate votes will face the full force of the law,” he declared.

He also highlighted the logistical preparations, including 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats to guarantee smooth operations and timely delivery of election materials. Polling units are set to open at 8:30 am sharp, coordinated with transport unions to prevent delays.

The INEC chairman emphasized the commission’s neutrality: “We have no preferred candidates. Our sole responsibility is to provide a fair platform for FCT residents to choose their leaders freely.”

Amupitan appealed to political parties, candidates, and voters to maintain peace while urging security operatives to act professionally and impartially.

The FCT elections are shaping up as a litmus test for Nigeria’s commitment to credible local governance, with transparency, vigilance, and civic responsibility at the forefront.