The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared zero tolerance for vote buying during the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, at a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, promised FCT residents that INEC will conduct peaceful, transparent and credible Area Council election, which will hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Prof. Amupitan disclosed that the Commission has substantially concluded preparations for the election. He said the process require the collaboration of political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, the media and voters.

Amupitan asserted: “This engagement provides an opportunity for open and constructive dialogue as we approach Election Day. While INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, their success depends on the cooperation, restraint and commitment of all stakeholders.”

Amupitan highlighted that 1,680,315 registered voters will cast ballots in 2,822 polling units across the six Area Councils, comprising of Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The INEC Chairman said that a total of 570 candidates are contesting in 68 constituencies. The candidates include Chairmanship, Vice-Chairmanship and 62 Councillorship seats.

FCT Area Council election is the only local government poll conducted by INEC.

He said that the Commission has implemented 11 out of 13 activities outlined in its timetable. The two remaining milestones, according to him, are the conclusion of campaigns at midnight on Thursday, February 19, and Election Day itself on Saturday, February 21.

PVC distribution ended on February 10, with 106,099 cards collected during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

INEC has accredited 89 domestic and foreign observer groups and 700 journalists from 72 media organizations to monitor and cover the election.

The Commission assured that the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, will be deployed in all polling units, with results uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal, IReV.

INEC has secured 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats for Election Day deployment of materials and personnel.

Polling units are expected to open promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Amupitan affirmed that INEC has no preferred candidate or political party. He cautioned against vote trading.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, will deploy personnel to apprehend offenders, he said.

“Vote buying undermines democracy and will not be tolerated,” he declared.