By Dr. Jibrin Abubakar
If there will ever be a time for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its new leadership under Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN to demonstrate genuine capacity, firm commitment, and institutional integrity toward delivering a fair, peaceful, and unbiased electoral process, that time is now.
The forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections present INEC with a rare and golden opportunity to rebuild public confidence and reaffirm its role as the impartial arbiter of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Nigerians, the electorate, and election observers across the world will be watching keenly, not just the outcome of the polls, but the process that produces it.
Over the years, elections in Nigeria have been judged less by the will of the voters and more by controversies that trail their conduct. Allegations of bias, logistical failures, voter suppression, and administrative lapses have often overshadowed democratic gains. This has steadily eroded public trust in the electoral system and weakened citizens’ belief that their votes truly count.
However, the FCT Area Council election offers INEC an opportunity to change this narrative. As the nation’s capital and the symbolic heart of Nigeria’s democracy, the FCT provides a controlled and highly visible environment for the electoral umpire to demonstrate professionalism, neutrality, and operational excellence. A credible election here would send a powerful signal that INEC is prepared to rise above past shortcomings.
This election must be conducted with strict adherence to electoral laws, transparent logistics, efficient deployment of personnel and materials, and equal treatment of all political parties and candidates. Security agencies must also play their constitutional role responsibly, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere without intimidation or interference.
Beyond political competition, this election is a referendum on INEC itself. It is a test of its readiness to deliver elections that truly reflect the will of the people especially as we head towards 2027 general elections. Success in the FCT will not only restore confidence among Nigerians but will also enhance the country’s democratic image before the international community.
The coming FCT Area Council election is therefore more than a local government contest; it is a defining moment. It is an opportunity for INEC’s new leadership to prove that credible elections in Nigeria are not a promise for the future, but a reality that can be achieved today.
History will remember not just the winners of this election, but the institution that chose to rise to the occasion and defend democracy when it mattered most.