In anticipation of the Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, conducted a simulated accreditation and voting exercise throughout the Federal Capital Territory, or FCT, on Saturday.
The purpose of the exercise was to evaluate INEC’s operational preparedness, test recent enhancements, and increase election officials’ capacity before the polls.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), who was speaking at a Train-the-Trainers session for Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) trainees, encouraged participants to properly familiarize themselves with the commission’s official training handbook and to take the exercise seriously.
“A lot of interaction is taking place here. According to Amupitan, the guidebook was created to guarantee consistency between all area councils. “It is not just about what you are taught, but about your understanding of what is being taught,” he stated.
He emphasized that Nigeria urgently needs a legitimate and stable electoral process, reminded the trainees of their statutory obligations, and warned against making concessions.
He asserts that INEC is still dedicated to restoring public confidence via thorough instruction, role-playing, and field testing.
The INEC chairman was pleased with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System’s (BVAS) performance during a field evaluation of the mock exercise, calling it a “game changer” in Nigeria’s election process.
In essence, this is a test of our readiness for the election. The BVAS’s functioning is our main concern. He stated, “We don’t want to use the main election as a test run.
According to Amupitan, the mock poll offered a chance to evaluate the gadget and its most recent improvements in an election-like setting.
He said that repeated voting and double accreditation were avoided by the system’s effective operation.
He stated that efforts to re-accredit a voter who had already cast their ballot were promptly identified and denied by the system, adding, “I am very satisfied that the BVAS has worked excellently well so far.”
He added that, as in a legitimate election, party agents were present and results sheets were properly signed, enhancing transparency.
Amupitan stated that although though civil society monitors were anticipated for the activity, the simulated poll nevertheless produced insightful comments and acted as a forum for voter sensitization.
“I think it’s a really worthwhile exercise based on my observations. Additionally, we’re using this to raise awareness and encourage people to cast ballots on February 21,” he stated.
Regarding INEC’s readiness, the chairman said that all non-sensitive material batches had been deployed, training was in progress, and presiding officers would start training the following week.
He went on to say that every system that had been tested up to this point was operating as intended.
Amupitan said INEC was stepping up efforts to educate locals about the election while noting ongoing worries about voter indifference and expressing hope that turnout will increase.
He promised that backup plans were in place to handle difficulties in remote and satellite towns, especially those pertaining to the network.
The INEC chairman urged patience as the legislative process progressed and stated that the matter is still before the National Assembly regarding the electronic transmission of results.
“The legislative process is still under progress. The two compartments will be in harmony with one another. “Let us avoid causing needless stress,” he stated.
