INEC Chairman charges staff to deliver credible FCT council polls
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has cautioned staff against dereliction of duty ahead of the February 21 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Amupitan issued the warning in Abuja during an assessment visit and general meeting with FCT staff, describing the poll as a test case for the commission and an opportunity to rebuild public trust in the electoral process.
He urged staff in the FCT office to take full ownership of the elections, stressing that any act of negligence would attract severe consequences.
“You are the foot soldiers. The success of this election rests on how you perform your responsibilities,” he told the personnel.
The chairman reminded them that the Electoral Act 2022 prescribes clear penalties for misconduct, including faulty declaration of results.
INEC also disclosed plans to hire 1,132 vehicles from transport unions to support logistics for the area council polls.
Amupitan emphasised strict compliance with INEC regulations, proper use of technology, transparent result management, and punctuality, directing that all polling units be set up by 8am for voting to begin by 8:30am.
Earlier, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris, assured the chairman that all non-sensitive materials had been deployed to the six area council offices and that preparations were on track.
