Bwari Area Council Elections Free, Fair, and Credible --INEC Accredited Observers.

A coalition of of observers in the Bwari Area Council Elections,: INEC Accredited Observers,  has validated the Councillorship  and Chairmanship Elections of February 21st, 2026 in the Area Council, describing it as free, fair and credible. 

Rev. Harvest Ighebo (Ph.D) flanked by Mr. Rasheed Shuaib and Mrs. Nandi Bernard at the press conference.

The coalition expressed this view at a press conference addressed by the leader of the group, Reverend Harvest Ighebo in Abuja on Tuesday. 

However, the coalition of observers rued the low turnout of voters, attributing it to the voters  lack of confidence in the political leadership. 

A section of leaders of INEC Accredited Election Observers' groups at the press conference 

"The entire exercise recorded poor voters Turnout. This apathy is largely due to the lack of voters trust in the political class." The coalition observed, as they urged the political actors to build up trust by proper representation through people-oriented governance. 

However, the coalition commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike for ensuring the proper environment for the exercise. 

Rev. Ighebo (centre), flanked by Alhaji Ali Abacha, (left) and Rev. Dr. Justin 

Furthermore, they commended security agencies for providing adequate security and traditional rulers for sensitising voters. 

Additionally, the coalition of observers praised the voters for orderly conduct during the voting exercise as they asserted that there were no incidence of violence or disorderly conduct in most polling units members of the coalition visited. 

The group described the exercise as " relatively peaceful in all its ramifications" 

The coalition said further thst "The integrated security of both the police, civil defence, and other sister agencies was another beauty to the exercise." 

On INEC's preparedness and deployment of materials, the group commended INEC for smart and timely distribution of materials which they said allowed the exercise to keep to schedule. 

"Accreditation and voting began at the scheduled time of 8:30 am and by 2:30 pm in most of the polling units, counting of votes were done without hitches." 

They further commended polling officials and their supervisors for displaying professionalism in their conduct which, they said reflected proper and adequate trainings by the electoral umpire. 

Summing up, the coalition said, "The Election observers who independently sponsored their workforce for this enormous and patriotic exercise without any financial support from the government and INEC Authorities. We deployed ourselves to all the Various Polling Units across the (10) Ten wards of the Area Council. From our observation, the Election was free, fair, peaceful and relatively credible, going by our unanimous assessment and evaluation."

The press conference was well attended by leaders of INEC Accredited Observers' groups, members of the press, and other stakeholders.