Prof. Amupitan Holds INEC First Regular Cinsultative Meeting With Political Parties
… Highlights FCT Area Council Polls, Bye-Elections, Voter Revalidation, and 2027 Election Preparations
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday held its first Regular Consultative Meeting with Political Parties for the year 2026 at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting, convened under the leadership of the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) brought together Chairmen and leaders of political parties, National Commissioners, senior INEC officials, members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), as well as accredited members of the INEC Press Corps.
In his opening remarks, Professor Amupitan described the engagement as his first formal consultative interaction with political parties since assuming office, stressing that 2026 would be a year of intense electoral activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The INEC Chairman recalled the successful conduct of the Anambra State off-cycle Governorship Election held on 8th November 2025, noting that the election was widely acknowledged as credible, inclusive, transparent, and efficiently administered.
He commended political parties and stakeholders for rejecting violence and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Also, Professor Amupitan reaffirmed INEC’s preparedness for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026.
According to him, “the polls will involve:1,680,315 registered voters; 2,822 polling units elections across the six Area Councils: Abaji, AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. 570 candidates contesting Chairmanship, Vice-Chairmanship and Councillorship positions
He reminded political parties that campaigns would officially close on Thursday, 19th February 2026.
The Chairman further disclosed that non-sensitive materials have been delivered, while BVAS devices are being configured for accreditation and upload of results to the IReV portal.
He announced that INEC will conduct a Mock Accreditation Exercise on Saturday, 7th February 2026 in 289 designated polling units across the FCT.
He further stated that the Commission has accredited 83 domestic and five foreign observer groups, alongside media organisations, to monitor the election.
However, INEC Chairman urged political parties to intensify mobilisation for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that the distribution exercise will end on 10th February 2026.
Professor Amupitan warned strongly against vote-buying, describing it as a subversion of the democratic process and a violation of the law, adding that offenders would face the full weight of legal sanctions.
Bye-Elections in Rivers and Kano States
The Commission also announced that bye-elections will be held on 21st February 2026 in: Rivers State–Ahoada East II State Constituency and Khana II State Constituency
While Kano State–Kano Municipal State Constituency anr Ungogo State Constituency, saying that these elections were necessitated by resignation and the demise of serving members of the respective State Houses of Assembly.
Ekiti and Osun Governorship Elections
INEC confirmed that the Ekiti Governorship Election will hold on 20th June 2026 while the Osun Governorship Election is scheduled for 8th August 2026. Prof Amupitan noted that preparatory activities for both elections are ongoing.
2027 General Election Timetable and Legal Framework
The Chairman stated that INEC has finalised the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election in compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
However, he urged the National Assembly to expedite ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure a stable legal framework well ahead of the polls.
Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise
Professor Amupitan announced that INEC will soon embark on a nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise to further sanitise and strengthen the integrity of the voters’ register ahead of 2027.
He also expressed concern over dwindling voter turnout in recent elections and called on political parties to collaborate with the Commission in voter education and mobilisation.
Registration of Two New Political Parties
The Commission disclosed that it has registered the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective 5th February 2026, after meeting all constitutional and legal requirements.
INEC also announced compliance with a Federal High Court order directing the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
IPAC Calls for Stronger Internal Party Democracy
In his remarks, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, congratulated the new INEC Chairman and urged political parties to uphold internal democracy, reduce litigations, and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms.
He also advocated reforms including improved electoral harmonisation and enhanced confidence in the democratic process.
