INEC FCT REC Engages Police and EFCC on Election Security Ahead of 2026 Area Council Polls
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, has intensified preparations for the forthcoming elections with a strategic advocacy visit to heads of key security agencies in Abuja.
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, he led a delegation to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Saka Adewale, and the Acting Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas, in a bid to strengthen security collaboration ahead of crucial electoral activities in the territory.
Addressing the security chiefs, Malam Idris explained that the advocacy visits became necessary in order to update the agencies on the ongoing electoral processes in the FCT and to seek their cooperation in ensuring a safe and secure atmosphere before, during, and after elections.
He stressed that election security remains a critical component of electoral planning, adding that credible polls cannot be conducted without the active participation of law enforcement and anti-crime institutions.
The REC highlighted the importance of security guarantees in the smooth conduct of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise currently ongoing in the FCT, as well as the February 26, 2026, Area Council elections.
He pointed out that insecurity poses one of the biggest threats to voter participation, election materials, and the safety of electoral officials. Therefore, partnerships with the police, EFCC, and other security agencies are crucial for strengthening democracy and building public confidence in the electoral process.
Malam Idris reassured the security agencies that INEC is committed to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the discharge of its duties. He further noted that the Commission in the FCT will continue to give priority to its collaboration with security institutions in order to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. According to him, creating a secured electoral environment will not only encourage greater voter turnout but will also ensure that the sanctity of the ballot is protected at all times.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Saka Adewale, commended the REC and his team for the proactive approach. He described the Federal Capital Territory as the nation’s centre of unity and political influence, emphasizing that its stability is of strategic importance to Nigeria. Adewale assured the REC that the police command is fully prepared to provide adequate security cover for all electoral activities, stressing that the police remain committed to protecting both lives and electoral materials throughout the election period.
Similarly, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Michael Wetkas, pledged the Commission’s readiness to partner with INEC to curb financial crimes that could undermine the electoral process. He stressed that the EFCC is already monitoring financial transactions and will not hesitate to act against vote-buying, electoral bribery, and other financial malpractices that compromise elections. Wetkas assured that the EFCC will provide intelligence support and work closely with INEC to maintain the integrity of the FCT elections.
The highlight of the visits was the symbolic exchange of materials. The Resident Electoral Commissioner presented voter education and information materials to the security chiefs, while in return, the EFCC presented INEC officials with agency publications and a commemorative plaque as a mark of partnership and solidarity.
Accompanying the REC on the visits were the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, as well as heads of departments of INEC in the FCT. Their presence underscored the Commission’s institutional commitment to engaging stakeholders in preparation for a credible electoral process.
The visits mark another step in INEC’s proactive measures to secure the electoral space in Abuja, ensuring that the February 26, 2026, Area Council elections will be held under a safe, transparent, and peaceful environment.
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