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.
Addressing Supervisory Presiding Officer trainees during a “train-the-trainers” session, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), said the exercise was designed to test the commission’s readiness and build the capacity of election officials ahead of the polls.
He urged the trainees to take the training seriously and to study the official manual prepared by the commission.
“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 to ensure uniformity across the area councils,” he said.
Amupitan reminded the SPOs of their statutory duties and encouraged them to avoid compromise, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs a stable and credible electoral process.
“In less than two weeks, the election will be happening, and you have a key role to play. You are being trained so that you will train others. Please, do not compromise. Nigeria is in dire need of a very stable electoral process,” he said.
According to him, INEC is committed to restoring and strengthening public confidence in the electoral system through proper training, simulations and field testing.
“That is why, apart from this training, we are also conducting a mock accreditation and voting exercise, so that we are sure everything is in place ahead of the FCT Area Council election of February 21, 2026,” he added.
The INEC chairman described the SPOs as “key actors” in the electoral process, noting that while senior officials may be in offices, it is field staff who ensure elections run smoothly at polling units.
“You are the people on the ground. Whatever happens in the field reflects on the commission. Please, let us not disappoint the nation,” he said.
Amupitan also acknowledged the sacrifices being made by the trainees, especially in view of modest remuneration, and appealed to them to see their role as part of national service.
“Take this as your contribution to nation-building. I hope that one day, efforts like this will be recognised and rewarded at the highest levels,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists during the field assessment of the mock exercise, Amupitan expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
He said the mock poll was designed to test INEC’s operational preparedness and the improved functionality of the BVAS.
“This is basically to test our preparedness ahead of the election. Our major focus is the functionality of the BVAS, which for us is a game changer. We have improved on it and we do not want to use the main election as a guinea pig,” he said.
He explained that the exercise allowed the commission to test both the device and the upgrades made to it in a simulated election environment.
“So far, I am very satisfied that the BVAS has worked excellently well. At this polling unit, about 11 voters have been accredited and have voted. We even tried to simulate a real scenario by asking someone who had already voted to come back, and the BVAS immediately flagged that the person had already been accredited,” he said.
According to him, the system makes double accreditation and multiple voting impossible.
“With this technology, there is no way you can be accredited twice. There is no way you can vote twice. After voting, the results sheet is signed as in a normal election, and party agents are present to observe the process,” Amupitan added.
The INEC chairman noted that although civil society observers were expected to be present, the exercise still provided useful feedback.
“From what I have seen, it is a very worthy exercise. We are also using this to create awareness and mobilise voters to come out and vote on February 21,” he said.
On the level of preparedness, Amupitan said all batches of non-sensitive materials had been deployed, training was ongoing, and presiding officers would be trained next week, stressing that so far the functionality of all systems was satisfactory.
He acknowledged concerns about voter apathy but expressed optimism that turnout would improve.
“Voter apathy has been with us for several years, but I am sure this one will be much better. We are using every means to pass the message across that the election will take place on February 21, 2026,” he said.
Responding to questions on challenges in rural and satellite communities, especially network issues, Amupitan said INEC had put backup measures in place.
“We have worked on the necessary operational protocols. Presiding officers can use hotspots where necessary, and even if there is no internet at a particular spot, once the device moves to an area with connectivity, the system will upload the results automatically,” he explained.
On concerns over electronic transmission of results and public confidence, Amupitan said the issue was still before the National Assembly.
“The law-making process is ongoing. There will be harmonisation between the two chambers. Let us not create unnecessary tension,” he said.
Amupitan, alongside National Commissioners, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner and journalists, toured several polling units, including NIPOST in Area 10, Garki; Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3; LEA Primary School, Ushafa; and Sagwari Primary School, Dutse.
Read the full article here
