FCT poll: Strengthen electoral integrity, observers urge INEC

A coalition of election observers accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission has urged the commission to strengthen electoral integrity following the conduct of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections held on February 21, 2026. In a statement issued on Wednesday after the poll, the observers described the election as largely peaceful but said improvements were necessary to align the process with international best practices. The statement was jointly signed by representatives of Initiative for the Awareness of Civic Education of Citizens, Centre for Strategic Conflict Management, African Christian Care Trust Organization, International Standard Centre for Development, Patriotic Visioners Foundation, Rosxywhite Care Foundation, Centre for Strategy, Ethics & Value, Centre for Transformation and Development Initiative, Justice Initiative for the Disadvantaged and Oppressed Persons, and Northern Patriotic Front. PUNCH Online reports that INEC conducted elections into the six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali — to fill 68 seats comprising six chairpersons and 62 councillors. A total of 637 candidates from 17 political parties contested the positions. According to the observers, 1,680,316 voters were registered, while 1,587,025 collected their Permanent Voter Cards, representing 94.4 per cent of registered voters. The coalition said it deployed 500 observers across the FCT and operated a situation room to receive real-time updates on election day. It noted full compliance with movement restrictions, stating that “shops and other commercial centres were under lock and key throughout the exercise.” While many polling units opened between 7 am and 8:30 am, the coalition observed logistical challenges in some locations and raised concerns about the relocation or splitting of polling units within the same premises, which it said caused confusion among some voters. “Some voters experienced difficulty locating their designated polling units, while others returned home out of frustration,” the statement said, calling for improved voter education and sensitisation. The observers commended INEC officials for effectively operating the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and acknowledged the timely distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials in many areas. However, the coalition reported generally low voter turnout across most urban and semi-urban communities. It cited examples from Galadima, Gwarimpa and Kuje Area Council, where turnout figures were minimal compared to the number of registered voters. On security, the group noted the presence of security personnel at most polling units and praised inter-agency coordination. “Immediate improvements to the electoral legal framework are required. Security agents must protect citizens’ rights. INEC must uphold electoral integrity,” the coalition said. The coalition emphasised the need for security agencies to consistently adhere to electoral guidelines. “The election was generally peaceful. However, while largely peaceful, the election lacked integrity and fell below international best practices,” the coalition said. It urged stakeholders and the government to ensure that future elections, including those in Osun, Ekiti and the 2027 general elections, are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. “Electoral processes must be protected from intimidation, suppression and fraud. Government, INEC and stakeholders must ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” the coalition stated.