The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday conducted a mock accreditation and voting exercise across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of preparations for the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The exercise, which took place in several polling units across the territory, was aimed at testing the commission’s operational readiness, strengthening personnel capacity, and evaluating the performance of election technology ahead of the polls.
Addressing Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) trainees during a “train-the-trainers” session, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), urged participants to take the training seriously and strictly follow the commission’s operational guidelines.
He explained that the training was designed to ensure uniform procedures across all area councils and enhance the competence of field officials.
“This training is interactive and focused on deep understanding. You are being prepared to train others, and it is important that everyone follows the same standards and procedures,” Amupitan said.
The INEC boss reminded the trainees of their critical role in the electoral process, urging them to uphold integrity and professionalism.
“In less than two weeks, the election will take place, and your role is central. Please, do not compromise. Nigeria urgently needs a stable, credible, and transparent electoral process,” he stated.
Amupitan added that the mock accreditation and voting exercise was part of INEC’s broader efforts to build public trust and ensure a seamless election.
“This simulation allows us to test our systems, identify gaps, and fix them ahead of the main election,” he said.
Speaking to journalists during field assessments, Amupitan expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a major improvement in the electoral process.
“This exercise is primarily to test our preparedness and the functionality of the BVAS. So far, the device has performed excellently. It effectively prevents multiple accreditation and voting,” he said.
He explained that the system was able to immediately detect attempted repeat accreditation during the simulation, proving its reliability.
According to him, the mock poll also helped INEC evaluate result transmission procedures, polling unit workflows, and voter participation dynamics.
On logistics and preparations, Amupitan disclosed that non-sensitive materials had been fully deployed, while training of presiding officers would commence next week.
He acknowledged concerns about voter apathy but expressed optimism that turnout would improve through continuous voter education and public awareness.
INEC officials, national commissioners, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, and journalists toured multiple polling units, including NIPOST Area 10, Garki; Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3; LEA Primary School, Ushafa; and Sagwari Primary School, Dutse, to assess the exercise.
The commission assured residents of the FCT that all necessary measures were being put in place to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible election on February 21, 2026.
