INEC warns against vote buying ahead of FCT Area Council elections

The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has warned that vote buying will not be tolerated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections scheduled for February 21.

Amupitan issued the warning on Wednesday at a high-level stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to a peaceful, transparent and credible electoral process. He disclosed that over 1.6 million registered voters are expected to participate across 2,822 polling units, with 570 candidates contesting 68 elective positions in the six area councils.

The INEC chairman said the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) would be deployed in all polling units, while results would be uploaded in real time to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to enhance transparency and public trust.

He added that 89 observer groups and 700 journalists have been accredited to monitor the election, while security agencies would be fully deployed to maintain order. Specifically, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will be on ground to deter vote trading and other electoral offences.

“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Amupitan said, stressing that vote trading undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.

To prevent logistical setbacks, he revealed that 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats have been arranged for the movement of personnel and materials. Polling units are expected to open at 8:30 am following consultations with transport unions to ensure timely distribution.

Amupitan reiterated that INEC remains neutral in the contest, stating that the commission has no preferred candidate or political party and is focused solely on providing an enabling environment for residents of the FCT to freely choose their representatives.

He urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully, while calling on security agencies to remain professional and impartial throughout the exercise.