Josh Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has directed the immediate deployment of anti-corruption agencies to polling units in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s Area Council elections, warning that vote-buying will not be tolerated.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Abuja, Amupitan said the commission had formally ordered both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) to deploy to polling units to monitor and arrest anyone involved in vote trading.
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He stressed that vote buying is one of the most serious threats to electoral credibility.
“Any person found buying or selling votes will be caught and dealt with as per the law. Vote buying and selling diminishes the sanctity of the ballot paper and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions. This should not be tolerated,” he said.
The INEC Chairman said the FCT election is unique as it is the only local government election to be conducted directly by the national electoral body, making its credibility vital to democratic standards across the country.
According to him, the election will involve 1,680,315 registered voters in 2,822 polling units in six regional councils – Abaji, Abuja City Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.
A total of 570 candidates are contesting for 68 elective posts, including president, vice-president and 62 councilor seats, reflecting the scale of the exercise.
Amupitan assured stakeholders that logistics arrangements have been finalized to guarantee the smooth conduct of the elections. He revealed that the Commission in collaboration with transport unions had secured 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles and 14 boats to support the election operations.
He urged all actors to play their roles responsibly, stressing that peaceful conduct and strict adherence to the law will determine the credibility of the exercise.
“Security agencies must remain professional and impartial. Political parties must act responsibly, media must report accurately and voters must come out peacefully to exercise their franchise,” he said.
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The INEC Chairman said the conduct of the FCT election will serve as a benchmark for grassroots democracy in Nigeria, noting that over 1.6 million voters will decide their leaders on Saturday.
