Vote Buying Won’t Be Tolerated, Amupitan Warns Ahead of FCT Poll

Abuja, February 20, 2026

The Chairman of the (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of a peaceful, transparent and credible Area Council election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ forum in , Prof. Amupitan disclosed that over 1.6 million registered voters are expected to participate in the exercise across 2,822 polling units. A total of 570 candidates will be contesting for 68 seats across the six Area Councils of the FCT.

He emphasized that elections are a shared responsibility, calling on political parties, candidates, security agencies, civil society groups and voters to uphold democratic values before, during and after the polls.
“INEC has no preferred candidate,” the Chairman stated firmly. “Our duty is to provide a level playing field for all contestants and ensure that the will of the people prevails.”

Zero Tolerance for Vote Buying
Prof. Amupitan issued a strong warning against vote buying and other electoral malpractices, stressing that the Commission would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the integrity of the process.

Security agencies, including the (EFCC) and the (ICPC), will be deployed across polling units to deter financial inducements and ensure strict compliance with electoral laws.
He noted that offenders would face the full weight of the law, adding that credible elections are essential to deepening democracy at the grassroots level.

Technology and Transparency
To enhance transparency, INEC will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in all polling units for accreditation and verification of voters. Election results will also be uploaded in real time to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), allowing the public to monitor outcomes as they are declared at polling units.

The Commission has accredited 89 observer groups and 700 journalists to monitor the process, reinforcing its commitment to openness and accountability.

Prof. Amupitan urged voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights without fear, assuring that adequate logistical and security arrangements have been put in place.
“As we approach election day, let us remember that democracy thrives when citizens participate responsibly. Together, we can deliver an election that reflects the true choice of the people,” he said.

The FCT Area Council election is widely regarded as a key test of grassroots democracy, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the measures announced by INEC will ensure a credible and hitch-free exercise.