With voting day approaching, the FCT Area Council elections BVAS deployment strategy has been finalised, as the Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed that 3,345 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices will be distributed across 2,822 polling units in the Federal Capital Territory.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed the preparations at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to a transparent and credible process.
A Logistics Operation Under Full Activation
According to the commission, 11,288 ad hoc personnel will be deployed for the February 21 elections. Each polling unit will have a presiding officer and three assistant presiding officers, while supervisory presiding officers will coordinate ward-level operations.
INEC also confirmed early movement of sensitive materials — including ballot papers, BVAS machines and result sheets — to prevent delays on election day.
In total, 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats have been mobilised to ensure smooth transportation of personnel and materials across the territory.
Security Agencies On Standby
The Nigeria Police Force announced a territory-wide restriction of movement from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day. Only essential service providers and accredited election officials will be exempt.
The FCT Police Command said the deployment includes coordinated support from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said officers have been instructed to remain professional, impartial and vigilant at polling units and collation centres.
Anti-Corruption Watch Activated
In a move aimed at deterring vote trading, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission will also be on ground.
INEC warned that any individual caught buying or selling votes would be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Eighty-nine observer groups and 700 journalists have been accredited to monitor the process.
Why This Election Matters Beyond Abuja
Although the elections are for chairmen and councillors across Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji, political actors have described the exercise as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.
Seventeen political parties have fielded 637 candidates for 68 elective positions, with over 1.6 million registered voters expected to participate.
Area council elections in the FCT often serve as an operational test of logistics, security coordination and result transmission frameworks ahead of nationwide polls.
The Institutional Stakes At Play
The deployment of BVAS devices and early logistics movement comes amid sustained public scrutiny of electoral processes across the country.
By reinforcing digital accreditation and restricting movement during voting hours, authorities appear focused on minimising disruptions and enhancing transparency.
However, the true measure of success will depend on smooth accreditation, prompt result uploads to the Result Viewing Portal and disciplined conduct by political actors and supporters.
As election day draws closer, the FCT Area Council elections BVAS deployment plan will serve as both a local democratic exercise and a broader institutional stress test for Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure.
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