LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has successfully concluded a high-stakes mock accreditation and voting exercise across the Federal Capital Territory, signaling its final readiness for the Area Council elections on February 21, 2026.
During a “train-the-trainers” session for Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs) in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) emphasized that the simulation was a critical field test to ensure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) remains a “game changer” for Nigeria’s democratic stability. Addressing the trainees, Amupitan issued a stern warning against electoral malpractice, noting that the nation’s fragile peace depends on their integrity.
“In less than two weeks, the election will be happening… Please, do not compromise. Nigeria is in dire need of a very stable electoral process,” the INEC Chairman stated.
He described the SPOs as the “key actors” on the ground, reminding them that while senior officials remain in offices, the commission’s reputation rests entirely on the conduct of field staff at the polling units.
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Transitioning to technical performance, Amupitan expressed total satisfaction with the upgraded BVAS technology during inspections at NIPOST, Garki, and Wuse Zone 3. The Chairman revealed that the system successfully flagged a simulated attempt at double voting, proving the device’s ability to prevent multiple accreditations.
“With this technology, there is no way you can be accredited twice… We have improved on it and we do not want to use the main election as a guinea pig,” he explained to journalists, confirming that even in areas with poor network, results will automatically upload once connectivity is restored.
Regarding the legal framework for the electronic transmission of results, the INEC boss urged the public to remain calm while the National Assembly concludes the law-making process. He maintained that the commission’s primary focus is tackling voter apathy and ensuring that all non-sensitive materials are deployed ahead of schedule.
Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices of the ad-hoc staff, urging them to view their modest-paying roles as a vital contribution to nation-building that will eventually be “recognized and rewarded at the highest levels.”
Final preparations move to the training of Presiding Officers next week, as the commission pushes for a seamless, transparent exercise across all six Area Councils.
