All is set for the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for this weekend, as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, prepares to conduct its first major poll under the leadership of its new chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The election, which will produce council chairmen and councillors across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, is more than a routine civic exercise. It is, in many respects, the litmus test by which Nigerians will first assess Amupitan’s stewardship of the Commission.
Though a compact one, it is however a symbolically weighty election that will signal whether INEC, under a new management can reclaim public confidence and rebuild credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan came into office in October 2025 at a delicate moment in Nigeria’s electoral history. The Commission he inherited had weathered intense criticism over operational lapses, late deployment of electoral materials, communication failures and contentious result management especially the infamous technical glitch experienced during previous cycles.
While the institution defended many of its decisions, public trust had undeniably waned. Amupitan’s appointment was therefore received as an opportunity for renewal. A chance to steady the Commission, address technological concerns, and demonstrate an unambiguous commitment to transparency.
The FCT elections, being the first under his watch, therefore presents the earliest opportunity to show that the Commission is capable of reforming itself through action, not promises.
These elections also carry extra weight because the FCT has traditionally served as an informal barometer of national sentiment. Unlike most states, FCT elections do not follow the governorship cycle, and the terrain is relatively less politically combustible.
Yet, Abuja hosts a large population of stakeholders including civil servants, civil society organisations, diplomats, and media professionals, all of whom observe elections with a sharper eye for detail.
A credible and seamless election here has the potential to influence national perception, while any missteps, even seemingly minor ones, will attract scrutiny and raise concerns about INEC’s preparedness for far larger off-cycle polls still ahead.
Ahead of Saturday, INEC has given repeated assurances of readiness as security agencies have been briefed, and operational staff have undergone training.
The Commission has also conducted mock accreditation tests of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, in parts of the FCT to confirm network strength and device functionality
But Nigerians have learned, through painful experience, that assurances do not always translate into performance.
Elections in Nigeria are not judged by preparation but by execution. They will assess INEC based on the swiftness of deployment, the professionalism of officials, the accuracy of voter accreditation, the resilience of technology, and the clarity of communication with the public.
The FCT poll, therefore, represents a microcosm of expectations that the public now places on INEC. Across the country, the electorate is demanding the basics: that polling units open on time, machines function properly, officials act impartially, and results transmitted transparently.
These demands are neither unrealistic nor novel; they are the minimum conditions for a functional electoral system.
What is new is the degree to which Nigerians are now unwilling to tolerate excuses. Confidence in the system is low, and the burden rests squarely on the Commission to demonstrate that it understands the urgency of restoring trust.
INEC’s place in the architecture of Nigeria’s democracy cannot be overstated. It is the ultimate referee of electoral competition and the primary guardian of the legitimacy of political power. When the Commission falters, the system falters. When it succeeds, public faith in democratic processes is strengthened.
For the FCT election specifically, INEC must prioritise early deployment of materials, strict adherence to operational timelines, and real-time problem solving. Communication is equally crucial. The Commission must speak frequently, clearly and truthfully. Silence breeds suspicion; vague language breeds misinformation.
Nigerians have become sharply sensitive to how INEC communicates before, during and after elections. Clear updates, prompt clarification of rumours, and transparent explanation of any disruptions are critical for maintaining confidence.
This newspaper also calls attention to the role of security agencies. Elections in the FCT have generally experienced fewer security challenges than in some states, but complacency would be dangerous. Security operatives must remain neutral and must avoid excessive show of force that could intimidate voters. Their presence should guarantee safety, not alter the electoral mood.
Political actors, on their part, must restrain their supporters and avoid incendiary rhetoric. Democracy cannot thrive where political competition becomes a trigger for violence.
Civil society organisations and the media also have important roles. Observers must document irregularities responsibly, without sensationalism, while journalists must provide factual, timely reporting that informs rather than inflames. The strength of an election rests not only on its conduct but also on the integrity of its documentation.
A well-run FCT election would show that the Commission has listened, learned, and adjusted. It would demonstrate that INEC is capable of delivering elections that meet the basic democratic aspirations of citizens.
We reiterate that Abuja is not just another electoral constituency. It is the nation’s capital, a political, diplomatic and administrative hub whose elections are watched closely both locally and internationally.
As the FCT votes on February 21, the Commission must rise to the moment. It must deliver an election that is organised, peaceful, and broadly accepted. It must demonstrate that the mistakes of previous cycles will not be repeated. And it must show that Amupitan’s leadership marks a new chapter. One defined by competence, transparency, and respect for the voter.
For the sake of our democracy, for the credibility of our electoral system, and for the future of the 2027 general elections, Amupitan must not fail.
