INEC Deploys 3,345 BVAS as Police Restrict Movement During FCT Area Council Polls
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finalized plans to deploy 3,345 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), confirmed that the technology will be used across all 2,822 polling units to ensure transparency. Results will also be uploaded in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
To manage the exercise, the commission is deploying 11,288 ad hoc personnel, including Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers.
A massive logistics fleet of over 1,100 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats has also been commissioned.
In a bid to maintain security, the FCT Police Command announced a total restriction of movement across the territory. The lockdown will take effect from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on election day, exempting only essential service providers.
The police deployment is a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS, and Civil Defence. Officers have been strictly directed to remain professional, impartial, and vigilant throughout the voting and collation process.
Electoral fraud and vote trading will be under heavy scrutiny as operatives from the EFCC and ICPC will be stationed at polling units.
Prof. Amupitan warned that anyone caught buying or selling votes will face immediate arrest and prosecution.
Approximately 1.68 million registered voters are expected to participate in the polls across Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. A total of 17 political parties have fielded 637 candidates for 68 elective positions.
The commission has already begun the movement of sensitive materials, including ballot papers and result sheets, to the six area council offices.
This early deployment aims to eliminate delays and ensure a seamless voting experience for residents.
