From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Ahead of the FCT Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has directed leaders of transport unions to provide 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats to facilitate smooth movement of personnel and electoral materials across the six Area Councils of the territory.
Professor Amupitan made the directive on Monday in Abuja while meeting with leaders of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Association of Road Transport Owners, and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria.
He described the meeting as an opportunity to hear directly from union leaders on operational challenges that may affect election-day deployment.
“This meeting is not ceremonial. It is an opportunity for open and frank engagement. We want to hear directly from you regarding operational challenges, fleet capacity, terrain constraints, and any other matters that may affect deployment. Our objective is simple: to ensure a seamless process on election day,” he said.
The INEC Chairman emphasised that elections are not conducted in isolation but require collaboration with security agencies, civil society organisations, political parties, the media, and critical service providers, including transport unions. He stressed that when any stakeholder falters, the entire electoral process is affected.
“Transport unions play a pivotal role in election logistics. Your cooperation ensures the timely delivery of sensitive materials to Registration Area Centres and Polling Units. It guarantees the safe movement of electoral officials, including our ad hoc staff,” Professor Amupitan said.
He warned that only reliable and serviceable vehicles, motorcycles, and boats must be deployed, adding that any breakdown or delay would be unacceptable.
“Drivers assigned for election duty must remain with INEC officials throughout the process — during the outward journey, voting, and the return of personnel, materials, and results to the collation centre. Under no circumstances should electoral officials be abandoned at any stage,” he warned.
The INEC Chairman further assured that the Commission would ensure proper coordination, timely payment, and ongoing engagement with security agencies to guarantee a safe environment for union members to carry out their duties effectively.
In response, transport union leaders, including Barrister Mercy Ibeh, Head of Legal Unit, NURTW; Prince Dauda A., FCT Chairman, NURTW; and Alhaji Bashir G. Bello, FCT Secretary, NURTW, pledged their full support and readiness to provide efficient transport services during the election period.
