(DDM) The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has provided an update on the ongoing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections in Abuja.
Speaking to members of the INEC press corps after visiting several polling units, Amupitan described the voting process as orderly, peaceful, and efficient in contral to challenges reported earlier.
He highlighted the performance of the BVAS, stating that the device was functioning effectively, with voter accreditation taking less than five seconds per person.
Amupitan also noted a large turnout of voters, indicating heightened public awareness of the importance of participating in the elections.
“The election is very efficient. The election is peaceful. And those are the instances of a good election,” Amupitan said.
He confirmed that security personnel were present at polling units to ensure orderly conduct, with approximately 30 officers observed at the locations he visited.
According to him, all the polling units he observed were calm and well-managed, except for a minor issue reported at a polling unit in Abaji.
Amupitan explained that security forces were promptly deployed to the affected area, and the situation was quickly brought under control, allowing voting to resume without significant delay.
He assured Nigerians that the BVAS would guarantee the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing that only accredited voters could cast their ballots.
“Very good report from all the polling units. The atmosphere is very calm in all the polling units. The only area we had a problem was in Abaji, and immediately we deployed security, and the ugly incident was tamed, and so voting has resumed,” he said.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Amupitan expressed confidence that lessons from the FCT elections would help build voters’ trust in the system.
He urged Nigerians to take note of the efficiency and security of the electoral process, reinforcing the credibility of the voting technology and the efforts of INEC officials across the territory.
The chairman’s visit and report serve as an assurance that the ongoing FCT elections are being conducted professionally, with mechanisms in place to address any incidents that may arise.
Observers have commended INEC’s swift response to challenges, particularly in areas where disruptions occurred, as a measure to maintain the smooth running of the elections.
The FCT Area Council polls are considered a test of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections, and Amupitan’s statements reflect an emphasis on orderliness, transparency, and voter confidence across the territory.
