By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), has charged staff of the Commission’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) office to take full responsibility for the forthcoming Area Council elections, warning that any act of dereliction of duty would attract severe consequences.
Amupitan gave the directive on Monday during a readiness assessment visit and general meeting with staff at the FCT office, describing the election as a litmus test for the Commission and an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
“You are the foot soldiers. The success of this election rests on how you perform your responsibilities,” he told the staff, with particular emphasis on Electoral Officers across the six area councils.
The INEC chairman reminded personnel that the Electoral Act 2022 clearly stipulates penalties for electoral misconduct, including faulty declaration of results.
“There is a saying in law that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. We need to let everyone know that there are consequences for dereliction of duty,” he said.
Amupitan stressed strict adherence to INEC guidelines, proper deployment of technology and transparent result management. He urged Electoral Officers to proactively address potential challenges at polling units to ensure a seamless voting process.
Highlighting punctuality as a key performance indicator, he directed that all polling units must be set up by 8:00 a.m., with voting commencing by 8:30 a.m. as scheduled.
“When you start on time, you close by 2:30 p.m., and results can be concluded before nightfall. That is the beginning of success,” he said.
He further warned that any delays must be promptly communicated to the Commission to ensure INEC remains the primary source of verified, real-time information.
On security, Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had conducted a comprehensive risk assessment of the FCT, identifying flashpoints in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari for special attention. He assured that INEC was working closely with security agencies to guarantee a peaceful election.
The chairman also called for special consideration for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), urging officials to ensure they are assisted to vote without hindrance.
Earlier, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu K. Idris, briefed the chairman on preparations for the polls, stating that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed to the six area council offices.
“We have received all the non-sensitive materials, which have been moved to the area council offices. Training of staff commenced from February 13 to 15, 2026, and we are conducting additional training today to address the shortfall in turnout,” Idris said.
He added that the Commission had requested additional support to ensure smooth electoral operations and expressed optimism that the exact number of staff required for deployment would be determined before the close of the day.
In her vote of thanks, the Administrative Secretary of the FCT office, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, commended the chairman for the visit and urged staff to take his message seriously.
“INEC is one. Let us continue to work together as one, give our best, and make sacrifices for Nigeria,” she said, while calling for sustained inter-departmental synergy to ensure a successful Area Council election.
