The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock accreditation and results upload exercise in preparation for the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In a statement signed by the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, the commission disclosed that the mock exercise would take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in 289 selected polling units, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
According to INEC, the simulation will test the accreditation process and results transmission technology, ensuring a smooth and credible election day experience.
“This mock exercise will help us fine-tune processes and identify potential challenges ahead of the main election,” the commission stated.
INEC called on registered voters in the affected polling units to present their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the exercise.
“We encourage eligible voters to turn out and cooperate with electoral officials. Your participation is vital in improving our preparedness,” it said.
The full list of designated polling units for the mock exercise has been made available on INEC’s official website.
INEC also reaffirmed its readiness to deliver a free, fair, and credible Area Council election in the FCT on February 21, 2026.
Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, is currently presiding over a security strategy meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting is the latest in a series of engagements with stakeholders aimed at coordinating security ahead of the FCT elections, as well as the upcoming Ekiti governorship poll scheduled for June 20, 2026.
“We are working closely with all security agencies to guarantee the safety of voters, personnel, and election materials,” Yakubu said.
The INEC boss urged security agencies to be vigilant and take steps to curb vote buying and other electoral malpractices, warning that strict enforcement of the law would be critical to maintaining electoral integrity.
“Security agencies must remain alert, professional, and proactive in preventing infractions, including the buying and selling of votes,” he said.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, were both represented at the high-level meeting.