Preparations for the Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, including a simulated accreditation and voting exercise conducted throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In order to evaluate INEC’s operational preparedness, test new enhancements, and increase election officials’ capacity before the polls, the experiment was planned.
During a Train-the-Trainers workshop for trainees preparing to become Supervisory Presiding Officers (SPOs), INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) encouraged participants to properly familiarize themselves with the commission’s official training handbook and to take the exercise seriously.
This is an extremely engaging event. The guidebook was created to guarantee consistency throughout all area councils, Amupitan stated, adding that it is not just about what you are taught but also about how well you grasp what is being taught.
He emphasized the critical need for a credible and stable electoral process in Nigeria, reminded the trainees of their legal obligations, and warned them against making concessions.
Through intensive training, simulations, and field testing, INEC is still dedicated to restoring public trust, he said.
The chairman of INEC, who conducted a field evaluation of the simulated exercise, was pleased with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System’s (BVAS) performance and called it a “game changer” in Nigeria Elections.
This is essentially a test of our readiness for the election. The functioning of the BVAS is our main concern. “The primary election should not be used as a test run,” he stated.
The fake poll, according to Amupitan, offered a chance to evaluate the gadget and its most recent improvements in an election-like setting.
“The system worked well, avoiding multiple voting and double accreditation,” he stated.
“I am really happy with how well the BVAS has worked so far,” he added, adding that attempts to re-accredit a voter who had previously cast a ballot were promptly identified and stopped by the system.
Additionally, he pointed out that, in keeping with a genuine election, party agents were present and results sheets were properly signed, enhancing transparency.
Despite the anticipated presence of civil society observers, Amupitan stated that the mock poll nevertheless produced insightful comments and functioned as a platform for voter sensitization.
As far as I can tell, it’s a really worthwhile activity. “This is also being used to raise awareness and encourage people to cast their ballots on February 21st,” he stated.
The chairman of INEC said that all batches of non-sensitive materials had been deployed, that training was still in progress, and that the presiding officers would start training the following week.
“Every system that has been tested so far is operating satisfactorily,” he continued.
Despite noting ongoing worries about voter indifference, Amupitan was hopeful that turnout will increase and stated that INEC was stepping up its efforts to educate locals about the election.
He reassured them that backup plans had been established to handle problems in remote and satellite settlements, especially those pertaining to the network.
As the legislative process proceeds, the INEC chairman urged patience and stated that the matter is still before the National Assembly regarding the electronic transmission of results.
Lawmaking is still in progress. The two chambers are going to be in harmony. He said, “Let’s avoid causing needless stress.
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