INEC clarifies position on results transmission for FCT Area Council elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified reports suggesting that its Chairman confirmed “real-time” transmission of results for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for 21 February.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the INEC Chairman, Mr Adedayo Oketola, said certain media headlines had misrepresented remarks made by the Chairman during his recent inspection of election readiness in Kuje, Gwagwalada and Bwari Area Councils.

According to him, at no point did the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), use the phrase “real-time” in describing the Commission’s process for transmitting results.

“Following the Chairman’s interaction with journalists, we observed headlines claiming he confirmed ‘real-time’ transmission of results for the February 21 polls. This is not accurate,” Oketola stated.

He explained that the Chairman had merely reiterated the Commission’s established protocol for electronic transmission of results, a system which has been in operation since 2022.

Quoting the Chairman, Oketola said: “Since 2022, INEC has been transmitting results. We have BVAS, and BVAS is capable of accrediting and also uploading and transmitting the results. So definitely, the results will be transmitted.”

He emphasised that the Commission remains fully committed to the electronic upload of scanned Polling Unit results (Form EC8A) to the IReV portal, in line with its regulations and the Electoral Act. However, he clarified that this upload takes place only after voting has concluded, results have been counted, and the forms duly signed by party agents at the polling units.

“The term ‘real-time’ suggests a live or simultaneous feed of votes as they are cast. That is not the procedure provided for in our legal framework,” he explained.

Describing election technology as a sensitive subject in the current national discourse, Oketola urged media organisations to exercise care and precision in their reportage.

“Misquoting the Chairman on technical procedures can generate unnecessary public anxiety and misinformation. We appeal to our partners in the media to be meticulous in reporting matters of this nature,” he said.

He reaffirmed that INEC remains fully committed to delivering a transparent and technology-driven election in the FCT and expressed confidence in the continued professional support of the media throughout the democratic process.

The FCT Area Council elections are slated for 21 February 2026.