INEC, National Peace Committee Strengthen Collaboration on FCT Election Security

INEC, National Peace Committee Strengthen Collaboration on FCT Election Security

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Peace Committee (NPC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to ensure security and peaceful conduct ahead of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

The renewed partnership was confirmed on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the National Peace Committee visited the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, alongside National Commissioners and senior management staff.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Amupitan described the visit as timely, noting that INEC had just concluded a series of engagements with security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and the media as part of preparations for the FCT poll.

He stressed that beyond the immediate election, the year 2026 is critical for preparations toward the 2027 General Election, making proactive collaboration on security issues essential.

“We regard 2026 as our preparatory year for the 2027 General Election,” the Chairman said. “The responsibility we share in maintaining peace and security during this period is paramount. With proactive and strategic partnership, we can create an environment conducive to safe and credible elections.”

Prof. Amupitan commended the Committee for establishing an Election Security Information Hub to support efforts at conflict prevention and electoral risk management.

He said the Commission would carefully study the Committee’s security analysis of the FCT, including identified flashpoints in AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari Area Councils.

He acknowledged concerns raised over alleged threats among political actors, inter- and intra-party tensions, vote trading risks and other security challenges in some communities. He assured the delegation that relevant information would be shared with security agencies for necessary action.

“Just last week, we charged the Nigeria Police Force, the EFCC and the ICPC to be on guard against vote buying and related offences,” he said. “The evidence-based information presented will guide necessary steps to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.”

While noting that certain security details cannot be made public, the INEC Chairman expressed readiness to strengthen information-sharing with the Committee under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.

He also recalled the Committee’s role in facilitating peace accords in previous elections, describing them as important social contracts that promote non-violence and acceptance of outcomes.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Kukah Centre and Head of Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, conveyed the goodwill of the Committee’s Chairman, former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), and its Convener, Bishop Hassan Kukah.

He assured INEC of the Committee’s readiness to provide strategic support not only for the FCT election but also for upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Rev. Fr. Barkindo disclosed that the Committee’s Election Security Information Hub, launched last year, has established networks nationwide to gather and analyse data on insecurity and conflict trends that could affect elections.

In a presentation, the Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, Ms. Asabe, described the FCT poll as a key test for the 2027 General Election. She highlighted areas of concern, including reported security incidents and potential vote trading risks in AMAC, indigene-settler tensions in Gwagwalada, disputes over candidate legitimacy in Bwari, and farmer-herder conflicts and kidnapping incidents in Kuje.

She expressed confidence that with coordinated action among stakeholders, the FCT election would be conducted peacefully and credibly, while calling for continued collaboration in sharing security insights.