Amupitan Demands Precision As INEC Tests BVAS Ahead FCT Elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, on Saturday, led senior officials of the Commission to monitor a mock accreditation exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.

The monitoring team included National Commissioners Mallam Mohammed Haruna and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Tukur Yusuf; the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Aminu Kasimu Idris; INEC Administrative Secretary in FCT, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye; Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute (TEI), Prof. Ibrahim Sani, as well as aides to the INEC Chairman and other top officials.

The team visited selected polling units in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari Area Council to assess readiness for the upcoming polls.

During the visit, Prof. Amupitan observed the ongoing Training-of-Trainers (ToT) programme for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs). Addressing participants, he emphasised strict adherence to the training manual, stressing that uniformity in election procedures is essential across all area councils.

“Your trainer is teaching you using a carefully prepared manual to ensure uniformity. As SPOs, you already know your statutory duties,” he said, urging them to thoroughly study and understand its contents.

He explained that the training was designed to refresh their knowledge and prepare them for their critical responsibilities, noting that SPOs would also train other election officials.

Prof. Amupitan cautioned against compromise, stressing that Nigeria urgently needed a stable and credible electoral system.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to restoring public confidence through continuous training, mock exercises, and the deployment of improved technology.

A key focus of the mock exercise was testing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Describing BVAS as a “game-changer”, the INEC Chairman said enhancements had been made to the device and that the Commission would not use the main election as a testing ground.

He expressed satisfaction with the system’s performance, noting that accreditation took less than five seconds, and the device effectively prevented multiple accreditation attempts.

He also acknowledged the presence of political party agents observing the exercise. Although civil society observers were not present, he said the exercise still provided a valuable opportunity to assess preparedness and create voter awareness.

On logistics, Prof. Amupitan confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed, and training for Presiding Officers would commence the following week.

He clarified that while civic education falls under INEC’s mandate, voter mobilisation and campaigning remain the responsibility of political parties.

Commending election officials for their dedication despite modest remuneration, he described their service as a sacrifice and a contribution to nation-building, expressing hope that such commitment would one day receive national recognition.