With the Feb. 21 Area Councils election looming, INEC is pushing parties to get voters ready—and warning that vote-buying and violence won’t be tolerated.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged political parties to step up voter mobilisation across the FCT, especially encouraging residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before distribution ends on Feb. 10.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with party leaders in Abuja, Amupitan warned against hate speech, violence and vote-buying, describing the latter as a direct attack on democracy that will attract stiff sanctions.
He said political parties must lead by example—educating supporters, boosting turnout and rebuilding public trust in elections.
Looking ahead to 2027, the INEC boss said the commission is ready with its election timetable but is awaiting the conclusion of amendments to the Electoral Act. He also cautioned Nigerians against double voter registration, noting that offenders will be removed from the register.
INEC, he added, remains committed to transparent, inclusive and credible elections in the FCT and beyond—but stressed it can’t do it alone.
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