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Posted By Admin On February 9th, 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday carried out 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 was designed to assess INEC’s operational readiness, test new upgrades, and further build the capacity of election officials ahead of the polls.

Speaking during a Train-the-Trainers session for Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) trainees, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) urged participants to take the exercise seriously and fully acquaint themselves with the commission’s official training manual.

“What is happening here is very interactive. It is not just about what you are taught, but about your understanding of what is being taught,” Amupitan said, noting that the manual was prepared to ensure uniformity across all area councils.

He reminded the trainees of their statutory responsibilities and cautioned against compromise, stressing that Nigeria urgently needs a credible and stable electoral process.

According to him, INEC remains committed to rebuilding public trust through rigorous training, simulations, and field testing.

During a field assessment of the mock exercise, the INEC chairman expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), describing it as a “game changer” in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“This is basically to test our preparedness ahead of the election. Our major focus is the functionality of the BVAS. We do not want to use the main election as a guinea pig,” he said.

Amupitan explained that the mock poll provided an opportunity to test both the device and its recent upgrades under simulated election conditions.

He said the system performed efficiently, preventing double accreditation and multiple voting.

“So far, I am very satisfied that the BVAS has worked excellently well,” he said, adding that attempts to re-accredit a voter who had already voted were immediately detected and blocked by the system.

He further noted that party agents were present and results sheets were duly signed, just as in a real election, reinforcing transparency.

Although civil society observers were expected at the exercise, Amupitan said the mock poll still generated valuable feedback and also served as a voter sensitisation platform.

“From what I have seen, it is a very worthy exercise. We are also using this to create awareness and mobilise voters to come out and vote on February 21,” he said.

On INEC’s level of preparedness, the chairman disclosed that all batches of non-sensitive materials had been deployed, training was ongoing, and presiding officers would commence training next week.

He added that all systems tested so far were functioning satisfactorily.

While acknowledging persistent concerns about voter apathy, Amupitan expressed optimism that turnout would improve, saying INEC was intensifying efforts to inform residents about the election.

Addressing challenges in rural and satellite communities, particularly network-related issues, he assured that contingency measures had been put in place.

On the electronic transmission of results, the INEC chairman said the issue remains before the National Assembly, urging patience as the legislative process continues.

“The law-making process is ongoing. There will be harmonisation between the two chambers. Let us not create unnecessary tension,” he said.

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/07/fct-council-election-inec-conducts-mock-accreditation/