Ahead of the February 21, 2026 FCT Area Council Elections, the National Peace Committee (NPC) has issued early-warning alerts highlighting vote-buying, community tensions, and security vulnerabilities in several councils, prompting INEC to implement enhanced monitoring and protective measures.
Head of the NPC Secretariat, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, presented a detailed briefing to INEC officials at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters, outlining emerging risks across the FCT. These include pressures to influence votes, local conflicts, and vulnerabilities linked to insecurity in neighbouring states.
INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, described the advisory as “timely and invaluable” and assured that the intelligence would be reviewed by the Commission’s security department and shared with relevant agencies for coordinated action. “We will not take this information for granted”, he said, adding that necessary steps would be taken to secure the electoral process.
Councils flagged for heightened attention include Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Kuje, and Gwagwalada. AMAC was identified for elevated risks of vote buying, Gwagwalada for indigene-settler tensions and past incidents of political violence, Bwari for conflicts related to farming disputes, kidnappings, and limited security presence, and Kwali due to its proximity to border communities affected by spill-over insecurity.
Amupitan emphasized INEC’s commitment to curbing electoral malpractice, noting that the Nigeria Police, EFCC, and ICPC have been placed on alert to monitor and respond to irregularities. He also stressed that the Peace Accord remains a key instrument for promoting orderly political conduct, adding that the 2026 elections are an important step in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Fr. Barkindo conveyed the goodwill of NPC Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR), and Convener, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, pledging the Committee’s continued support. He highlighted the NPC’s Election Security and Information Hub, which uses nationwide networks to gather verified data on insecurity, conflict trends, and potential electoral offences.
The NPC noted that its monitoring framework tracks both pre-election incidents and possible electoral violations, ensuring alignment with the Peace Accord’s provisions and safeguarding a free, fair, and credible election.
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