In anticipation of the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections set for Saturday, a coalition comprising more than 70 Civil Society Organisations is calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that election results are uploaded in real-time. This demand comes amid concerns over potential risks that could affect voter safety and the credibility of the electoral process. The coalition, which operates under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has identified vote trading and various areas as 'hotspots' for electoral malpractice that could jeopardize the integrity of the ballot.

The coalition’s warning is backed by findings from a strategic meeting that took place between the National Peace Committee and INEC on February 10. This meeting was instrumental in allowing the coalition to assess and map out security risks across different Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Situation Room's focus on real-time results upload aims to foster transparency and accountability in the electoral process, crucial components that can help mitigate the risks of electoral fraud and malpractice.

The initiative was jointly signed by key organizers within the Situation Room, including Mr. Yunusa Ya’u, Mma Odi, and Celestine Odo, who expressed their commitment to ensuring a secure voting environment. Their call for enhanced transparency and vigilance during the elections highlights the broader challenges faced in Nigerian electoral politics, as well as the ongoing efforts of civil society to safeguard the democratic process against corruption and malpractice.