INEC Meets Transport Unions on Logistics Ahead of FCT Area Council Elections
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN speaks with transport unions in Abuja, ahead of FCT Area Council Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held a strategic meeting with transport unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its final readiness assessment for the forthcoming #FCTDecides2026
The engagement, which brought together the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), focused on ensuring seamless movement of personnel and election materials across the FCT on Election Day.
Addressing the meeting, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, underscored the critical role of transportation in the successful conduct of free, fair and credible elections. He noted that the timely and secure deployment of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials remains central to the integrity of the electoral process.
The Chairman emphasised that materials must arrive at polling units not later than 7:00am to guarantee commencement of accreditation and voting by 8:30am. He directed that vehicles depart Registration Area Centres (RACs) between 6:00am and 6:30am, taking into consideration distance, terrain and other operational variables.
Prof. Amupitan disclosed that over 1,100 vehicles are being deployed through the unions to service 2,822 polling units across the six Area Councils of the FCT. He stressed that the Commission would not tolerate lapses, urging the unions to ensure deployment of only roadworthy vehicles and properly briefed drivers.
While acknowledging logistical challenges experienced in previous exercises, the Chairman stated that the Commission has put measures in place to strengthen coordination and accountability. He reminded the unions that their responsibility goes beyond transportation, describing them as critical stakeholders in the democratic process.
In their remarks, the union representatives assured the Commission of improved performance. They pledged enhanced monitoring of vehicle movement, provision of backup vehicles and greater operational discipline to guarantee efficiency on Election Day.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transparent, well-organised and credible FCT Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday 21st February 2026, and called on all stakeholders to play their respective roles in ensuring a peaceful process.
