INEC Conducts Mock Exercise Ahead of FCT Area Council Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria conducted a mock accreditation and voting exercise across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prepare for the upcoming Area Council elections on February 21, 2026. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan oversaw the exercise to assess operational readiness and enhance the skills of election officials.

The exercise aimed to ensure uniformity in the electoral process across the FCT. The mock poll included a test of the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVA), described as a game-changer in Nigeria's electoral process.

The BVA was successful in preventing double accreditation and multiple voting, enhancing the credibility of the electoral system. INEC emphasized the importance of voter education and mobilization to combat voter apathy and improve voter turnout.

Contingency measures were put in place to address challenges in rural and satellite communities, particularly network issues. The exercise received positive feedback and aimed to sensitize voters for the upcoming polls.