FCT Election: INEC warns transport unions against logistical delays, demands early deployment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned transporters engaged to convey election materials across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to provide sound and serviceable vehicles in line with agreed logistical arrangements for the Area Council election scheduled for 21 February.

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INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan gave the warning on Monday during a meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) in Abuja.

Mr Amupitan said the success of the election would depend largely on the timely and efficient movement of materials and personnel across the six area councils of the territory.

He expressed concern over previous experiences in vehicle deployment during elections, referencing instances where unserviceable vehicles were presented and agreed arrangements were not fully honoured. In one such case, he noted, the commission had to activate alternative measures to avert operational setbacks.

“Our target is for voting to commence at 8.30 a.m. For that to happen, materials must arrive at polling units by 7.00 or 7.30 a.m, which means vehicles must depart RACs as early as 6.00 a.m,” he added.

The INEC boss also directed Electoral Officers in the FCT to closely supervise the implementation of logistics agreements at the area council level, noting that they would serve as the commission’s eyes in ensuring compliance.

NURTW responds

Responding, the Director of Legal Services of NURTW, Mercy Ibeh, acknowledged that the issues raised by INEC were familiar and assured that the union would meet expectations.

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Mrs Ibeh also appealed for support to strengthen the union’s transport capacity, noting that improved access to serviceable vehicles would enhance performance during elections.

Also speaking, the FCT Chairman of NURTW, Abdullahi Dauda, assured the commission of the union’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.

He stated that while challenges are inevitable in any large-scale operation, effective leadership and problem-solving remain key. According to him, the union had held discussions with the Resident Electoral Commissioner on identified gaps and agreed on measures to address them.

“If they give us what we want, they will see what we are going to give them,” he said, adding that the union would ensure that all approved vehicles are deployed as agreed.

Mr Dauda further assured that designated officers would monitor and verify vehicle deployment across wards and ensure that drivers report promptly for election duty.

Although he declined to guarantee perfection, he expressed confidence that the arrangements put in place would make the forthcoming FCT election markedly improved in terms of logistics performance.

READ ALSO: Electoral Act: Nigerian lawmakers re-amend bill for INEC to change 2027 election dates

The election

The forthcoming area council election in the FCT is more than a routine local government poll; it is widely seen as a test of strength by political parties in Nigeria’s capital city. Though the FCT does not have a governor like Nigeria’s 36 states, its six area councils function are equivalent to the local governments in the 36 states, making these elections highly strategic for political parties seeking influence at the grassroots level in Abuja.

The election is conducted by INEC, and it determines who becomes the chairmen and councillors of the six councils. Because Abuja is the seat of federal power and home to a politically diverse population that cuts across civil servants, business elites, rural farmers, and urban youth.

The six area councils are Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The major political platforms contesting the election include All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party and African Democratic Congress (ADC).