The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the deployment of 3,345 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, reinforcing its commitment to credible and transparent polls.
INEC Chairman for the FCT election, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, stating that BVAS will be used in all 2,822 polling units across the six area councils. Election results will also be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to enhance transparency and public trust.
According to the commission, no fewer than 11,288 ad hoc personnel will be deployed, with four officials assigned to each polling unit. Supervisory Presiding Officers will coordinate activities at ward collation centres, while sensitive materials — including ballot papers, BVAS devices, and result sheets — are scheduled for early distribution to prevent logistical delays.
To curb electoral malpractice, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will monitor the process and clamp down on vote buying and other offences.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has announced a territory-wide restriction of movement from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day, exempting only essential service providers and accredited election officials. The security operation involves collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
A total of 17 political parties have fielded 637 candidates to contest 68 elective positions across 62 wards, with 1.68 million registered voters expected to participate.
The elections will take place in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, in what political observers describe as a key test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
