INEC Conducts Mock Accreditation, Voting Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls

INEC Conducts Mock Accreditation, Voting Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls
Amupitan urged election officials to avoid compromise and uphold credibility.
BVAS performed well, preventing double accreditation and multiple voting.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Saturday conducted a mock accreditation and voting exercise across the Federal Capital Territory as part of preparations for the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that addressing Supervisory Presiding Officer trainees during a train the trainers session, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), said the exercise was aimed at testing the commission’s readiness and strengthening the capacity of election officials ahead of the polls.

Amupitan urged the trainees to take the exercise seriously and study the commission’s official manual to ensure uniformity in election procedures across the councils.

“What is happening here is very interactive. It is not just about what you are taught, but about your understanding of what is being taught. Your instructors are guiding you based on a manual we have prepared,” he said.

He reminded the SPOs of their statutory responsibilities, warning against compromise and stressing the need for a credible and stable electoral process in Nigeria.

“In less than two weeks, the election will take place. You are being trained so you can train others. Please do not compromise. Nigeria is in dire need of a stable electoral process,” Amupitan stated.

He said INEC was committed to restoring public confidence through proper training, simulations and field testing, adding that the mock exercise was designed to ensure all systems were in place before election day.

The INEC chairman described field officials as key actors in the electoral process, noting that their conduct directly reflects on the commission. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of election officials, urging them to see their role as national service.

During a field assessment, Amupitan expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, describing it as a game changer. He said the mock poll tested both the device and recent upgrades, noting that BVAS successfully prevented double accreditation and multiple voting.

He disclosed that non sensitive materials had been deployed, training was ongoing and presiding officers would be trained next week. Amupitan added that backup measures had been put in place to address network challenges in rural areas.