FCTDecides: NSCDC commandant warns officers against compromise

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Olusola Odumosu, has warned officers and men deployed for the Area Council elections against any form of compromise, insisting that the Corps will not tolerate partisanship or misconduct during the exercise.

Addressing personnel at the Command Headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, ahead of Saturday’s monitoring of the exercise, Odumosu stressed that the primary responsibility of the Corps is to provide security and ensure a peaceful electoral process, not to engage in voter education or political activities.

He urged the officers to maintain professionalism, warning against accidental discharge.

“The job is to provide security and allow the election to go on without disruption. No compromise on any occasion. I don’t want to hear that you worked for any political party or candidate,” he said.

The Commandant revealed that about 4,000 NSCDC personnel had been strategically deployed across the 2,022 polling units and 822 voting points in the territory, working in synergy with other security agencies to guarantee a credible process.

“We have deployed massively across all polling units. We also have our rapid response squad on standby for quick intervention in any area where issues may arise. No violence must be allowed. Anyone with plans to cause trouble will be arrested and dealt with according to the law,” he warned.

Odumosu emphasised inter-agency collaboration, noting that all security outfits share a common goal of delivering a free, fair, and violence-free election.

“We have a shared purpose, and that is to ensure the election is free and fair. The FCT Command will be adjudged as professional and organised. Make sure you work together with other security agencies,” he charged.

The FCT election is widely regarded as a litmus test for the newly signed Electoral Act 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed that over 1.5 million voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the six area councils ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls.

An estimated 1.6 million registered voters are expected to participate in the elections, an increase from the 1.5 million recorded during the 2023 general elections.

In addition to electing six area council chairmen, voters will also choose representatives for 62 councillorship seats, bringing the total number of elective positions to 68.

Voters across the FCT are electing chairmen in six area councils — Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

The poll marks the second election to be conducted under the supervision of the current INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, who assumed office in October 2025 following the Anambra State Governorship Election.

As of Saturday morning, accreditation and voting commenced at about 8:30 a.m. in most polling units across the Abuja Municipal Area Council.

At Polling Unit 018, Post Office area, the exercise was observed to be smooth and peaceful, with voters complying with movement restrictions and security directives.

Speaking while on patrol, Odumosu expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and calm recorded so far.

“As you can see, the roads are clear and people are observing restrictions. The election is going smoothly. From what we have seen, it is going to be violence-free, seamless, and credible. We are fully on ground, and in case of any situation, we will move swiftly to put everything under control,” he assured.

Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the exercise as residents turn out to decide the leadership of their respective area councils.