Joash Amupitan, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has directed the immediate deployment of anti-corruption agencies to polling units across the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections, warning that vote-buying will not be tolerated.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, Amupitan said the Commission had formally mandated both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to station operatives at polling units to monitor and arrest anyone involved in vote trading.
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He stressed that vote-buying remains one of the most serious threats to electoral credibility.
“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law. Vote trading undermines the sanctity of the ballot and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions. It must not be tolerated,” he said.
The INEC chairman noted that the FCT election is unique as it is the only local government poll conducted directly by the national electoral body, making its credibility crucial to democratic standards nationwide.
According to him, the election will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in the six Area Councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
A total of 570 candidates are contesting for 68 elective positions, including chairmanship, vice-chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats, reflecting the scale of the exercise.
Amupitan assured stakeholders that logistics arrangements had been finalised to guarantee smooth conduct of the polls. He disclosed that the Commission had secured 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats through collaboration with transport unions to support election operations.
He urged all actors to play their roles responsibly, stressing that peaceful conduct and strict adherence to the law would determine the credibility of the exercise.
“Security agencies must remain professional and impartial. Political parties must act responsibly, the media must report accurately, and voters must come out peacefully to exercise their franchise,” he said.
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The INEC chairman added that the conduct of the FCT election would serve as a benchmark for grassroots democracy in Nigeria, noting that over 1.6 million voters will decide their leaders on Saturday.
