The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has announced that results of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in line with existing laws and regulations.

Amupitan disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, ahead of Saturday’s polls.

He revealed that a total of 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the election across the six Area Councils of the FCT, namely Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

According to him, the election will be conducted in 2,822 polling units, with 570 candidates contesting 68 constituencies for the positions of chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors.

The INEC chairman said the commission would deploy no fewer than 11,873 polling unit officials, stressing that there would be no tolerance for lapses in duty.

“This election will involve 1,680,315 registered voters who will cast their ballots in 2,822 polling units spread across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said, noting that the scale of the exercise underscored the responsibility on all stakeholders to ensure its success.

Amupitan warned strongly against vote buying and vote trading, describing the practice as a serious threat to credible elections. He disclosed that INEC was working closely with the Nigeria Police as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to curb the menace.

“Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.

He emphasised that the conduct of credible elections was a shared responsibility, adding that while INEC is constitutionally empowered to organise elections, their success depends on the cooperation and commitment of political parties, candidates, security agencies, the media and voters.

Amupitan noted that the FCT Area Council election remains the only local government election conducted by INEC, adding that over the years it has served as a benchmark for grassroots elections nationwide due to its diversity and credibility.

He further disclosed that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ended on February 10, 2026, during which 106,099 PVCs from the Continuous Voter Registration exercise were collected.

He said the turnout reflected growing interest among FCT residents in the electoral process and urged voters who had collected their PVCs to come out peacefully and vote on election day.

To enhance transparency, the INEC chairman said the commission had accredited 89 domestic and foreign observer groups, as well as 700 journalists representing 72 media organisations, to monitor and report the election.

On election logistics, Amupitan disclosed that INEC would deploy 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats to ensure the timely movement of personnel and materials, adding that polling units were expected to open promptly at 8:30 a.m.

He also confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had been upgraded and fully tested, noting that results would be uploaded to the IReV portal in accordance with established procedures.

“As we approach election day, the Commission has substantially discharged its responsibilities,” he said, urging all stakeholders to act responsibly and ensure a peaceful, credible and widely accepted election.

He reiterated that INEC remains neutral and has no preferred candidate or political party, stressing that its mandate is to provide a level playing field for FCT residents to freely choose their representatives on Saturday, February 21, 2026.