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From Idu Jude Abuja
As INEC-accredited election observer groups give verdict on the outcome of the just concluded FCT Area Council election, one of the groups, The Electoral Hub, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the relative professionalism and transparency demonstrated throughout the electoral process across the six Area Councils.
A statement issued by Director Princess Hamman-Obels over the weekend indicates that, across all PUs visited by the team, the election was conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment.
“There were no recorded incidents of violence, voter intimidation, or vote buying in any of the locations observed. Poll closing procedures were carried out calmly and transparently, reinforcing confidence in the exercise’s procedural integrity. Based on direct observation, the election process is relatively free, fair, and peaceful”.
This statement highlights strengths and weaknesses, such as structural gaps while offering policy and actionable recommendations for institutional and process improvements, noting that some notable improvements characterised the 2026 FCT Area Council Election compared to previous elections, all of which contributed to the integrity of the process.
It further observed that while INEC plays a central role, the quality and success of elections depend on the contributions of critical stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, security forces, the executive, civil society organisations, media, and voters.
This collaborative approach is crucial in safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring the success of democratic governance.
Meanwhile, The Electoral Hub, said INEC had demonstrated strict adherence to the legal frameworks for elections, as it carried out every election activity in line with its official timetable and schedule.
It said this level of precision highlights INEC’s dedication to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
While commending the equipment used for the election, the official pointed out that the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) once again demonstrated its value in biometric voter verification, significantly curbing impersonation and multiple voting. “It facilitated swift voter accreditation, averaging 1-2 minutes per voter at observed PUs, including PU 117, Jabi Upstairs I, Gwarinpa Ward, AMAC, and PU 015, Jabi Maje, Gwarinpa Ward, AMAC. However, technical glitches persisted in some locations, such as PU 022, 1616 Road by Water Board, Bwari Central, and PU 038, Gwarinpa Primary School, Gwarinpa Ward, where BVAS lacked internet connectivity as of 10:08 AM. Overall, BVAS enhanced real-time result monitoring and strengthened public confidence in the election”.
It said most ad-hoc staff, including PU officials (Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers), and collation officials, displayed commendable professionalism and efficiency.
“There was, to a great extent, adherence to guidelines and regulations to ensure transparent administration of accreditation, voting, vote counting, and tabulation at the PUs and the collation process at wards and Area Council levels.
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“However, some PUs observed that some election officials were not entirely confident in the roles expected of them, underscoring the need for more robust standardised pre-election training for ad-hoc personnel.
Other areas of near perfection by INEC, includes collation process, the IRev uploading of results specifically the EC8A forms enhanced transparency.
However, the group insisted that the low turnout of voters as well as a couple of violent actions in some polling units need to be improved upon.
“The election demonstrates that credible, transparent, and participatory elections can be achieved when all stakeholders unite around their shared responsibility to protect electoral accountability and integrity. “We call on all FCT residents and Nigerians to maintain active civic participation, insist on transparency and accountability from electoral institutions and leadership across all sectors, and to collectively shape the nation’s future through continued vigilance and engagement.
“We encourage every stakeholder and citizen to actively promote accountability and defend the sanctity and integrity of the electoral process”, It stated.
