INEC affirms neutrality, warns against vote buying in FCT election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that it does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate in Saturday’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), gave the assurance at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Amupitan stressed that INEC’s mandate is clear and limited to providing a level playing field for all contestants and ensuring that residents of the FCT freely choose their representatives.

Amupitan called on political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly, respect the rules, and allow the will of the people to prevail at the polls.

The INEC chairman addressed concerns relating to vote buying and vote selling, describing the practice as a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.

He disclosed that the commission has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to deploy personnel to polling units across the FCT.

According to him, any individual found engaging in vote trading will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Amupitan emphasised that vote buying undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions, adding that it will not be tolerated.

Amupitan urged voters to reject inducements and safeguard the integrity of their votes, noting that the ballot remains the most legitimate means of determining leadership at the grassroots level.

He further appealed to security agencies to remain professional and impartial, to the media to report accurately and responsibly, and to observers to discharge their responsibilities objectively in line with established guidelines.

Also speaking at the meeting held on Wednesday, the National Commissioner supervising the FCT, Mohamed Haruna, stated that INEC has substantially discharged its responsibilities, with only the conclusion of campaigns and Election Day outstanding.

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Haruna described the FCT Area Council Election as unique, noting that it is the only local government election conducted by INEC and has remained consistent since 1999, with different political parties winning seats and no recourse to caretaker arrangements.

He urged stakeholders to sustain this record by ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.

In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Aminu Idrisi, appealed to voters to turn out peacefully to cast their ballots.

Idrisi also urged party agents, observers, and ad hoc staff to carry out their duties diligently and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, assured stakeholders that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place.

Dantawaye disclosed that security personnel have been strategically deployed to polling units and Registration Area Centres, with contingency plans to respond swiftly to any emergency.

He urged residents of the FCT to come out en masse on Saturday and exercise their franchise without fear, assuring them that security agencies are fully prepared to safeguard lives, electoral personnel and materials.

The Star