INEC conducts mock accreditation across FCT ahead of February 21 polls – by Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted a pivotal mock accreditation exercise across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

This strategic exercise served as a final technical rehearsal designed to fortify the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the main elections scheduled for February 21, 2026. By deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in selected polling units within Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the Commission aimed to verify the hardware’s readiness and the software’s efficiency in a live environment.

​Throughout the day, INEC officials and technical teams monitored the performance of the BVAS devices, focusing specifically on the speed and accuracy of facial and fingerprint recognition. This simulation allowed the Commission to identify potential “blind spots” in network connectivity and resolve any user-interface challenges faced by ad-hoc staff before thousands of voters descend upon the polls. The exercise also acted as a public demonstration of transparency, allowing citizens and observers to witness firsthand how the technology prevents multiple voting and ensures that only validly registered voters are cleared to cast their ballots.

​The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), emphasized that the mock election was not merely a formality but a critical diagnostic tool. He noted that while the overall performance of the accreditation technology was impressive, the real-world feedback gained from the exercise would be used to fine-tune logistics and deployment strategies for the 68 constituencies involved.

Residents who participated in the exercise expressed a mixture of curiosity and cautious optimism, viewing the digital safeguards as a necessary evolution in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
​As the clock ticks toward the February 21st polls, the successful conclusion of this mock exercise has provided a much-needed boost to public confidence. With the political atmosphere in Abuja heightening and campaigns reaching their peak, the Commission has reiterated its commitment to a “No PVC, No Voting” policy.

The mock election serves as a reminder that the backbone of a credible election lies in the seamless marriage of robust technology and disciplined human administration.

By testing these systems under pressure, INEC aims to ensure that when the actual Election Day arrives, the focus remains entirely on the will of the people, expressed through a process that is both technologically sound and transparently managed.