The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 51 observer groups for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled for February 12, 2022.

In its daily bulletin issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the commission disclosed that the approved list comprised 50 domestic organisations and one international group.

According to the bulletin, accredited local organisations include the Advocacy for Quality Leadership and Health Awareness Foundation, Africa for Millenium Change Initiative, and Centre for Democracy and Development.

The Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre), and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems were also accredited.

The commission advised the approved organisations to fill and complete necessary documentation online (http://observergroups.inecnigeria.org/) between December 29, 2021, and January 13, 2022.

INEC further stressed the need for observers to fully comply with the INEC COVID–19 Policy on Election and Accreditation of Observers.

This, according to INEC, includes the signing of the indemnity form and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all field observers.

It warned that “failure to comply will lead to immediate withdrawal of accreditation.”

INEC said domestic observer kits (including ID cards to individual observers) would be distributed in FCT- ABUJA INEC office between February 3 and February 11, 2021.

(NAN)