Ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has held an enlarged stakeholders’ forum to fine-tune preparations and secure commitments from key actors.
In his welcome address, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris, charged ad-hoc staff to uphold professionalism, neutrality, and diligence in the discharge of their duties.
A representative of the traditional rulers, HRH Dr. Adamu Baba Yunusa, pledged the full cooperation and support of royal fathers across the various communities in the FCT assuring that traditional institutions would mobilize residents to participate peacefully and responsibly in the electoral process.
The FCT Police Commissioner CP Dantawaye Miller also assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the polls.
He disclosed that officers and personnel have been strategically deployed across identified black spots and flashpoints to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, called for collective cooperation from all residents, political parties, and stakeholders. He stressed that peaceful participation and respect for electoral rules are vital to the success of the exercise.
The enlarged forum brought together representatives of political parties, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and the media, all reaffirming their commitment to a credible and peaceful Area Council election on Saturday.