By Mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to carefully review and integrate into its security architecture the flashpoints identified by the National Peace Committee (NPC) ahead of the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when members of the Committee paid a strategic visit to the Commission’s headquarters as part of ongoing efforts to guarantee a peaceful and credible poll.
Amupitan described the Committee’s security assessment conducted through its Election Security Information (ESI) Hub as timely and evidence-based, noting that the analysis would strengthen inter-agency coordination already underway.
“The evidence-based information presented, particularly the identification of potential flashpoints in AMAC, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, will be carefully studied and factored into our ongoing security collaboration,” he stated.
He explained that the Commission had in the past week concluded engagements with security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and the media to consolidate arrangements for the FCT election, stressing that proactive measures remain key to preventing disruptions.
The INEC Chairman acknowledged concerns raised by the Committee bordering on alleged threats among political actors, intra- and inter-party tensions, vote trading risks and broader community security challenges.
He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to work closely with security agencies to address identified vulnerabilities. “Just last week, we charged the Nigeria Police Force, the EFCC and the ICPC to be vigilant against vote buying and related offences. We will share relevant insights with appropriate authorities to enable preventive and responsive actions,” Amupitan said, adding that while some security strategies cannot be made public, the Commission remains committed to structured information-sharing under confidentiality arrangements.
He further underscored that 2026 remains a strategic preparatory year for the 2027 General Election, making collaboration with credible institutions such as the National Peace Committee imperative. “We regard 2026 as our preparatory year for 2027. The responsibility to maintain peace during this period is paramount,” he added.
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 Convener, Bishop Hassan Kukah.
He said the Committee’s ESI Hub, launched last year, has developed nationwide networks to collect and analyse data on insecurity and electoral risks to ensure its interventions are guided strictly by facts and evidence.
The Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, Ms. Asabe, described the FCT poll as a “mirror” that would reflect Nigeria’s preparedness for 2027.
She highlighted AMAC as having a high concentration of reported incidents and potential vote trading risks, while Gwagwalada faces indigene-settler tensions and party disputes.
According to her, Bwari contends with concerns over candidate legitimacy and spillover security threats, whereas Kuje grapples with farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping incidents and limited security presence in remote communities.
