INEC Puts Transport Unions On Notice Ahead Of FCT Polls, Demands 6am Deployment
In Nigerian elections, logistics can quietly decide whether voters meet ballot papers on time or queue in frustration.
With five days to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is moving to shut the door on excuses.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), on Monday warned transport unions that any logistical lapses capable of delaying the February 21, 2026 polls will not be tolerated.
He spoke in Abuja during a meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).
Describing logistics as the backbone of credible elections, Amupitan said the Commission expects only sound and serviceable vehicles, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding with the unions.
INEC plans to deploy about 1,132 vehicles to move personnel and materials across 2,822 polling units in the FCT.
“Our target is to begin voting by 8.30am. That means materials must reach polling units by 7.00 or 7.30am, and vehicles must leave Registration Area Centres as early as 6.00am,” he said, recalling past incidents where unserviceable vehicles disrupted operations and forced last-minute alternatives.
He directed Electoral Officers to closely monitor logistics at the Area Council level and warned against diversion or hijacking of materials, stressing that the FCT election is under national and international scrutiny.
Responding, NURTW’s Director of Legal Services, Barrister Mercy Ibeh, acknowledged past challenges, including issues experienced during the Anambra election, but said the union has engaged INEC to profile solutions.
She appealed for support to strengthen the union’s transport capacity to improve performance.
The FCT Chairman of NURTW, Abdullahi Dauda, pledged compliance with INEC’s requirements, saying designated officers would monitor vehicle deployment across wards.
While admitting that challenges can arise in large operations, he expressed confidence that the arrangements in place would deliver smoother logistics for the FCT polls.
As the countdown begins, INEC’s message is clear: no late starts, no faulty vehicles, and no excuses.
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