The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has stated that the Commission views the upcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council election as more than a local contest, describing 2026 as the foundation year for the 2027 general elections.
Amupitan made the remarks on Wednesday, February 11, while receiving members of the National Peace Committee at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where both bodies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible polls.
The INEC chairman revealed that the Commission had spent the previous week engaging security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, and the media in a final push to get all pieces in place before the FCT election.
But he made clear that the Commission’s gaze extends well beyond the FCT polls.
“We regard 2026 as our preparatory year for the 2027 General Election,” Amupitan said.
“The responsibility we share in maintaining peace and security during this period is paramount. With proactive and strategic partnership, we can create an environment conducive to safe and credible elections,” he added.
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The chairman acknowledged mounting concerns around the electoral environment, including reported threats among political actors, tensions within and between parties, and the risk of vote trading in parts of the FCT.
He disclosed that the Commission had already taken steps to address some of these concerns, revealing that security and anti-corruption agencies had been put on notice.
“Just last week, we charged the Nigeria Police Force, the EFCC and the ICPC to be on guard against vote buying and related offences.
“The evidence-based information presented will guide necessary steps to enhance the integrity of the electoral process,” the INEC boss said.
Amupitan commended the National Peace Committee for establishing an Election Security Information Hub, which has been tracking violence and electoral offences across the FCT since June last year.