The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold elections for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils on February 21, 2026.
During a consultative meeting at INEC’s Abuja headquarters, Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu announced this date.
He emphasized that voting will occur at all designated polling units across the 68 constituencies in the FCT.
These elections will select six Area Council Chairmen and 62 councilors.
Yakubu explained that this schedule complies with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to announce elections no later than 360 days before the election date.
“This policy applies to both general and off-cycle elections,” he noted.
INEC uniquely oversees local government elections in the FCT, the only region where it conducts such elections.
The last Area Council election took place on February 12, 2022, meaning the current chairmen and councilors’ tenure will end next year.
INEC confirmed the FCT Area Council elections will occur on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Voting will happen across all designated polling units in the 68 constituencies.
In accordance with legal requirements, the official election notice will publish on February 26, 2025.
Party primaries will run from June 9 to June 30, 2025.
The candidate nomination portal will open at 9:00 a.m. on July 21, 2025, and close at 6:00 p.m. on August 11, 2025.
Yakubu stated, “The final list of candidates will publish on September 22, 2025.
Public campaigns by political parties will begin on September 24, 2025, and continue until midnight on February 19, 2026.”
Discussing the electoral schedule, Yakubu revealed that the detailed timetable and activities for the election, including constituency lists, will upload to the commission’s website soon.
He urged political parties to submit their activity schedules for the upcoming Anambra State governorship primary elections by the end of the week.
“This is crucial for compliance with the electoral calendar and ensuring a smooth electoral process,” he emphasized.
Yakubu announced that INEC will soon reveal plans for routine activities like resuming the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and conducting outstanding bye-elections.
Since the current National and State Assemblies’ inauguration in June 2023, 23 constituencies have faced vacancies.
Yakubu explained these vacancies resulted from serving members’ deaths or voluntary resignations for executive positions, such as ministers or local government chairpersons.
“While the commission successfully conducted nine bye-elections early last year, 14 additional vacancies have emerged since then,” he said, highlighting the unpredictability of these situations.
He noted that bye-elections often trigger further vacancies, complicating planning. For example, a bye-election win in a senatorial district can create a new vacancy in the House of Representatives.
“Not only are these bye-elections financially burdensome, but they also divert the commission’s focus from broader electoral responsibilities,” he added.
The chairman reiterated the need for a more cost-effective method of filling vacancies, aligning with global best practices.
Since 2016, INEC has advocated for legislative changes to introduce alternative mechanisms for this purpose.
Dantalle stated, “For the past nine years, we have advocated for a more cost-effective method of filling vacancies.
This approach is already practiced successfully in many jurisdictions across the country and has been effective.
Reflecting on 2024 challenges, Yakubu mentioned the severe flooding of INEC’s State Office in Benin City, Edo State.
Dantalle stated, “Despite this setback, we recovered and prepared adequately for the election,” addressing the recent challenges faced.
He revealed that two local government offices were attacked, which were unrelated to electoral activities or disturbances.
The INEC headquarters in Sankara, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, faced attack during a protest against insecurity.
“Public buildings, private institutions, and our office were targeted during the unrest,” he noted.
Similarly, a fire incident severely damaged the INEC office in Owa Oyibu, Delta State.
While no staff were harmed, Yakubu expressed regret over the loss of electoral assets and damage in both locations.
Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), urged immediate preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that INEC should implement necessary measures to meet Nigerians’ expectations.
Dantalle stated, “As preparations for the Anambra State gubernatorial election continue, the commission must activate its Election Project Plan.”
He added, “This includes actions within its Strategic Programme of Action for the upcoming 2027 general elections.”