INEC Clarifies FCT Council Poll Results Transmission Protocol
The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially dismissed claims that results from the upcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections will be transmitted in real time. The commission issued a detailed clarification on February 18, 2026, addressing what it described as inaccurate media reports regarding the technical process.
Chairman Misquoted During Preparatory Visits
INEC's Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, explained that the commission's chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, was misquoted by certain media outlets following his visits to polling preparation centers in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils. Oketola emphasized that the chairman never used the phrase "real-time" during his engagements with journalists.
"We wish to clarify that at no point during his engagement with the press did the chairman use the phrase 'real-time,'" Oketola stated. "Such a description is a misrepresentation of his technical explanation of the Commission's processes."
BVAS Transmission Protocol Explained
The commission provided a comprehensive explanation of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System technology protocol. While BVAS is capable of uploading and transmitting results electronically, this process occurs only after voting has concluded, votes have been counted, and results have been signed by party agents at polling units.
Oketola stressed that the chairman had merely reiterated INEC's existing protocol for electronic result transmission, which has been operational since 2022. "Since 2022, INEC has been transmitting results. We have BVAS, and BVAS is capable of accrediting and also uploading and transmitting the results. So definitely, the results will be transmitted," he confirmed.
Form EC8A Upload Process
The statement further detailed that INEC remains committed to electronically uploading scanned polling unit results, known as Form EC8A, to the INEC Result Viewing Portal. However, this upload specifically takes place only after voting has concluded, counting is complete, and results have been manually signed by party agents.
According to the commission, describing this process as "real-time" is fundamentally inaccurate because it suggests a live feed of votes as they are being cast. The commission emphasized that such live transmission is not provided for under Nigeria's current legal and regulatory framework governing elections.
Call for Responsible Media Reporting
Oketola urged journalists to exercise extreme caution when reporting technical details of electoral processes, warning that misrepresentation could cause significant public confusion. "Given the sensitive nature of election technology in our current national discourse, we urge our partners in the media to be meticulous in their reportage," he said.
"Misquoting the chairman on technical procedures can lead to unnecessary public agitation and misinformation," Oketola added, highlighting the potential consequences of inaccurate reporting.
INEC's Commitment to Transparency
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, technology-driven elections in the Federal Capital Territory. INEC called on media organizations to support professional coverage of the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of accurate information dissemination.
The clarification comes as preparations intensify for the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council elections, with the commission seeking to ensure all stakeholders understand the actual technical procedures that will govern result transmission.
