INEC Warns Against Vote Buying Ahead of FCT Area Council Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has declared that vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice will not be tolerated during the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections set to take place on February 21.
Amupitan made this known during a high-level stakeholders’ forum held in Abuja on Wednesday, where he outlined the commission’s readiness for the election and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, peaceful, and credible process. The electoral body is expected to oversee voting across the Federal Capital Territory, where more than 1.6 million registered voters are anticipated to participate.
According to the INEC chairman, the elections will be conducted across 2,822 polling units, with approximately 570 candidates contesting for 68 elective positions in the six area councils. He stressed that the commission has concluded arrangements to ensure a smooth exercise and has put measures in place to maintain the integrity of the ballot.
Central to the commission’s strategy is the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across all polling units. The technology, introduced in recent elections, will be used to verify voters and reduce incidents of multiple voting or identity fraud. In addition, results from each polling unit will be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real time, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.
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Amupitan also disclosed that 89 domestic and international observer groups, along with over 700 accredited journalists, will monitor the elections. Their presence, he said, is intended to strengthen accountability and provide independent verification of the process.
Security agencies are expected to play a critical role in maintaining order and preventing electoral offences. Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) will be deployed alongside other law enforcement bodies to deter vote trading and prosecute offenders where necessary.
“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Amupitan stated. He emphasised that vote trading undermines democratic principles and erodes public trust in governance, warning that the commission will adopt a zero-tolerance approach.
To ensure efficient logistics on election day, INEC has arranged for the deployment of 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats to facilitate the movement of personnel and sensitive materials. Polling units are expected to open at 8:30 a.m., following consultations with transport unions and relevant stakeholders to guarantee timely delivery of election materials.
Amupitan reiterated that INEC remains politically neutral and has no preferred candidate or party in the contest. He stressed that the commission’s mandate is to provide an enabling environment for voters to freely choose their representatives without intimidation or inducement.
He called on political parties, candidates, and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and adhere strictly to electoral guidelines. Security agencies were also urged to maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the process to ensure public confidence in the outcome.
The FCT area council elections are regarded as a key test of Nigeria’s electoral reforms and the effectiveness of measures introduced to combat vote buying and other irregularities. Analysts note that while technological tools and stricter enforcement can improve credibility, public cooperation and political discipline will be crucial to achieving a successful and credible election.
As preparations intensify, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the conduct of the polls to determine whether the commission’s assurances translate into a transparent and orderly voting process.