FCT elections: 11,288 Ad Hoc staff, 3,345 BVAS ready

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines will be used in every polling unit for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory area council elections, with results to be uploaded to the commission’s Result Viewing Portal to improve transparency.

The INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ forum on Wednesday, outlining preparations for the February 21, 2026 polls and reiterating the commission’s commitment to a credible process.

He said anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, would be deployed to deter vote buying and other electoral offences, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.

According to the commission, 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats will be mobilised to move personnel and materials, while INEC maintained it remains neutral in the contest.

Voting will take place in 2,822 polling units across the six area councils, supported by 3,345 BVAS devices for voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results.

At least 11,288 ad hoc staff are expected to be deployed, with each polling unit staffed by a presiding officer and three assistants, while supervisory officers will coordinate ward activities.

INEC said sensitive materials such as ballot papers, BVAS machines and result sheets would be checked and moved early to council offices to avoid delays on election day. The commission also accredited 89 observer groups and about 700 journalists to monitor the exercise.

Security agencies have stepped up preparations, with the Nigeria Police Force announcing a restriction of movement across the territory from 6am to 6pm on election day. Essential service providers and election officials are exempted.

Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the deployment forms part of a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

She urged residents to comply with security guidelines and assured voters of adequate protection. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, also directed officers to remain professional and ensure security at polling and collation centres.

The elections will cover the Federal Capital Territory area councils — Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji — where chairmen and councillors will be elected.

INEC said 17 political parties fielded 637 candidates to contest 68 elective positions across 62 wards, with more than 1.68 million registered voters expected to participate.

Major parties including the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party are expected to dominate key contests, particularly in Abuja Municipal and Bwari, while the African Democratic Congress and smaller parties aim to make gains.

Political stakeholders view the FCT polls as an early test ahead of the 2027 general elections.