The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Peace Committee (NPC) have reaffirmed their strategic partnership to enhance election security and promote peaceful conduct ahead of the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

The renewed collaboration was confirmed on Wednesday, 11th February 2026, at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, during a visit by members of the National Peace Committee to INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, along with National Commissioners, technical aides, and senior management staff.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof. Amupitan described the visit as timely. He noted that the Commission had recently concluded a series of engagements with key stakeholders—including security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations, and the media—as part of final preparations for the FCT election.

He emphasised that 2026 serves as a crucial preparatory period for the 2027 General Election, highlighting the need for proactive collaboration to address emerging security challenges.

“We regard 2026 as our preparatory year for the 2027 General Election,” the Chairman stated. “Maintaining peace and security during this period is paramount. Through strategic partnerships, we can create an environment conducive to safe and credible elections.”

Prof. Amupitan commended the National Peace Committee for establishing the Election Security Information (ESI) Hub, which complements institutional efforts in conflict prevention and electoral risk mitigation. He noted that the Committee’s evidence-based analysis of the FCT—including identification of potential flashpoints in AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Bwari Area Councils—would be carefully considered in ongoing security coordination.

The Chairman also acknowledged concerns over potential threats among political actors, inter- and intra-party tensions, vote trading risks, and broader security challenges in some communities. He assured the delegation that INEC would share relevant insights with security agencies to support preventive and responsive measures.

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

While noting that not all security details can be publicly disclosed, Prof. Amupitan expressed readiness to deepen information-sharing mechanisms with the NPC under appropriate confidentiality arrangements, emphasizing that both institutions share the same goal of peaceful and credible elections.

He also recalled the Committee’s role in facilitating peace accords ahead of previous elections, including the Anambra Governorship Election, describing such engagements as a social contract reinforcing political actors’ commitment to non-violence and acceptance of electoral outcomes.

Earlier, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, Executive Director of the Kukah Centre and Head of Secretariat of the National Peace Committee, 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 guidance and support not only for the FCT election but also for forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as well as preparations for the 2027 General Election.

Rev. Fr. Barkindo highlighted that the NPC’s Election Security Information Hub, launched last year, has established networks nationwide to collect and analyse data on insecurity, violence, and conflict trends, both election-related and those capable of affecting the electoral process. He emphasized that all interventions are guided strictly by data and evidence rather than sentiment or partisanship.

In a detailed presentation, Ms. Asabe, Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, described the FCT election as a “mirror” through which Nigerians would assess preparations for the 2027 General Election.

She explained that the ESI Hub has, since June 2025, tracked incidents under two broad categories: election-related violence and an Electoral Offences Tracking System aligned with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and peace accord principles.

Ms. Asabe identified specific areas of concern: AMAC, with a high concentration of reported security incidents and potential vote trading risks; Gwagwalada, marked by indigene-settler tensions and party disputes; Bwari, with disputes over candidate legitimacy and potential security spillovers from neighbouring states; and Kuje, which faces complex challenges including farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping incidents, limited security presence, and telecommunications gaps in remote areas.

She expressed optimism that, with coordinated action among stakeholders, the FCT election would be conducted peacefully and credibly and stressed the importance of continued collaboration with INEC to share relevant monitoring insights.