INEC Field Test Signals Readiness as BVAS Shuts Door on Multiple Voting Ahead of FCT Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), haa taken its preparations for the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections to the streets of Abuja, conducting a mock accreditation and voting exercise aimed at proving the system’s readiness and rebuilding voter trust ahead of the February 21 polls.

The exercise, carried out across selected polling units in the FCT, was part of INEC’s final operational checks, with particular attention on election personnel performance and the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which the commission says remains central to credible elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), who supervised the exercise alongside national commissioners and the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, said the simulation was not ceremonial but a deliberate attempt to identify and fix gaps before election day.

Addressing Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) trainees during a train-the-trainers session, Amupitan stressed that the credibility of the forthcoming election would largely depend on the conduct of officials deployed to polling units.

“What is happening here is very interactive. It is not just about what you are taught, but about your understanding of what is being taught. Your instructors are guiding you based on a manual we have prepared to ensure uniformity across the area councils,” he said.

With less than two weeks to the polls, the INEC chairman reminded the trainees of the weight of their responsibilities, urging them to resist compromise and uphold the integrity of the process.

“In less than two weeks, the election will be happening, and you have a key role to play. You are being trained so that you will train others. Please, do not compromise. Nigeria is in dire need of a very stable electoral process,” Amupitan said.

He explained that beyond classroom training, the mock exercise was designed to mirror real election conditions, allowing INEC to test its logistics, personnel readiness and technology under field pressure.

“That is why, apart from this training, we are also conducting a mock accreditation and voting exercise, so that we are sure everything is in place ahead of the FCT Area Council election of February 21, 2026,” he added.

Speaking with journalists during the field assessment, Amupitan expressed satisfaction with the performance of the BVAS, describing it as a decisive tool against electoral malpractice.

“This is basically to test our preparedness ahead of the election. Our major focus is the functionality of the BVAS, which for us is a game changer. We have improved on it and we do not want to use the main election as a guinea pig,” he said.

According to him, the mock poll confirmed that the system effectively blocks double accreditation and multiple voting.

“So far, I am very satisfied that the BVAS has worked excellently well. At this polling unit, about 11 voters have been accredited and have voted. We even tried to simulate a real scenario by asking someone who had already voted to come back, and the BVAS immediately flagged that the person had already been accredited,” he said.

“With this technology, there is no way you can be accredited twice. There is no way you can vote twice. After voting, the results sheet is signed as in a normal election, and party agents are present to observe the process,” Amupitan added.

While noting that civil society observers were not fully represented during the exercise, the INEC chairman said the feedback gathered remained valuable, both for internal assessment and voter sensitisation.

“From what I have seen, it is a very worthy exercise. We are also using this to create awareness and mobilise voters to come out and vote on February 21,” he said.

On overall preparedness, Amupitan disclosed that non-sensitive materials had been fully deployed, training was ongoing, and presiding officers would undergo their own sessions in the coming week, assuring that all systems tested so far were functioning as expected.

He also acknowledged persistent concerns about voter apathy but expressed confidence that turnout would improve with sustained engagement.

“Voter apathy has been with us for several years, but I am sure this one will be much better. We are using every means to pass the message across that the election will take place on February 21, 2026,” he said.

Addressing questions on potential challenges in rural and satellite communities, particularly poor network coverage, Amupitan said contingency plans were already in place.

“We have worked on the necessary operational protocols. Presiding officers can use hotspots where necessary, and even if there is no internet at a particular spot, once the device moves to an area with connectivity, the system will upload the results automatically,” he explained.

On the broader debate surrounding electronic transmission of results, the INEC chairman noted that the matter was still under legislative consideration.

“The law-making process is ongoing. There will be harmonisation between the two chambers. Let us not create unnecessary tension,” he said.

As part of the exercise, Amupitan and his team visited several polling locations, including NIPOST Area 10, Garki; Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3; LEA Primary School, Ushafa; and Sagwari Primary School, Dutse, reinforcing INEC’s message that the commission intends to enter the February 21 election fully tested and prepared.