INEC Set for FCT Area Council Polls Today as 2026 Electoral Act Faces First Major Test

INEC Declares Readiness for FCT Polls, Testing New Electoral Act

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness for today’s area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking the first major test of the recently signed 2026 Electoral Act. Voters across Abuja’s six area councils are expected to participate amid heightened security and logistical arrangements, with polls scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m.

INEC’s FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris, provided an update on preparations, stating that all sensitive and non-sensitive materials were deployed to Registration Area Centres yesterday afternoon for early distribution to polling units. He emphasized that all Bimodal Voter Accreditation Systems (BVAS) have been configured and tested for effective voter capturing. Transport unions engaged for the exercise were urged to adhere strictly to their memoranda of understanding, with warnings against any lapses.

The commission has also activated an Election Monitoring Centre to track developments and respond to emergencies during the polls. Seventeen political parties are participating, and INEC called for strict compliance with the Electoral Act and election guidelines. Idris noted that any candidates or parties withdrawing today are acting contrary to the law, as the window for such actions has closed.

Impressive PVC Collection Rate Across FCT Area Councils

FCT has recorded a 94.4 percent collection rate of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), reflecting strong voter responsiveness. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Haruna, disclosed that out of 1,680,315 registered voters, 1,587,025 PVCs were collected by the close on February 10, 2026, leaving 93,290 uncollected.

Breaking down the figures by area councils, Haruna highlighted: Abaji Area Council with 75,517 PVCs collected out of 79,471 registered voters (95.0 percent); Bwari with 276,360 out of 295,711 (93.5 percent); Gwagwalada with 196,184 out of 208,057 (94.3 percent); Kuje with the highest at 144,109 out of 148,286 (97.2 percent); Kwali with 99,774 out of 107,203 (93.1 percent); and Municipal Area Council, the largest, with 795,081 out of 841,587 (94.5 percent). Several registration areas exceeded 99 percent collection, underscoring grassroots engagement.

By-Elections in Rivers and Kano States

In addition to the FCT polls, by-elections are taking place today in Rivers State’s Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies, triggered by the resignation and death of sitting legislators. In Kano State, elections are set for Kano Municipal constituency with 330,228 voters across 630 polling units and Ungogo constituency with 205,418 voters across 384 polling units, following the deaths of two State House of Assembly members.

These exercises involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in the FCT, alongside the state by-elections.

2026 Electoral Act Reforms Under Scrutiny

The 2026 Electoral Act introduces key reforms, including the statutory codification of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and provisions for electronic transmission of results to INEC’s Result Viewing portal. Manual collation remains a fallback in areas with poor network coverage. The hybrid system has sparked debate, with civil society groups expressing displeasure.

President Tinubu Urges Orderly Conduct

President Bola Tinubu yesterday charged eligible voters, security agencies, and INEC officials to conduct themselves orderly during the polls in the FCT, Kano, and Rivers. In a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu urged voters to turn out without fear, emphasizing calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He appealed to political parties, candidates, and supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, or actions undermining credibility. Security personnel were reminded to protect lives, property, and the ballot. The President called on INEC to ensure timely accreditation, smooth voting, accurate collation, and prompt result transmission per the new Act. He assured continued federal support for free, fair, and credible elections, commending residents’ civic consciousness.

CDD-West Africa Flags Low Voter Turnout Concerns

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) expressed worry over persistent low voter turnout in the FCT, especially in residential estates and urban communities. In a statement by Director Dr. Dauda Garuba and Election Analysis Centre Chair Prof. Victor Adetula, the group warned that citizen disengagement weakens accountability and inclusive governance.

Elections, they stated, are opportunities to shape governance, influence policy, and ensure public institutions serve the people. Disengagement cedes power, accepting poor service delivery and unresponsive leadership. FCT residents risk losing influence over waste management, public safety, job creation, transportation, and urban planning. As the capital, Abuja must lead by example in viewing the polls as a civic duty for transparent, inclusive governance.

PDP Condemns Candidate Withdrawals

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee expressed dismay over some chairmanship candidates stepping down from today’s elections. National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong called the action anti-democratic and shameful, condemning forced consensus. He linked it to efforts by certain leaders to manipulate the party, referencing past excommunications to rebuild opposition ahead of 2027. Voters were urged to protect their votes and ensure Presiding Officers transmit Form EC8A immediately after polling unit announcements.

ADC Showcases Strength, Challenges Curfew

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) views the polls as a test of its strength, backed by opposition figures like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi campaigning for its candidates. ADC’s AMAC chairmanship candidate, Dr. Moses Paul, told reporters he is prepared through years of grassroots work, ready to serve mentally, structurally, and spiritually. He framed the election as AMAC’s chance for competence and accountability, stressing cooperation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike if elected.

However, ADC faulted the FCT administration’s curfew from 8:00 p.m. yesterday as premature, potentially disrupting voter movement and creating fear. The party called for review to ensure open, transparent access, urging professional security conduct.

PLAC Criticizes Public Holiday Declaration

The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) condemned the arbitrary public holiday declaration by Wike, saying it disrupted livelihoods and locked down the capital, heightening tension. Executive Director Clement Nwankwo demanded clarification on its legal basis, neutral security, and future consultations to minimize disruptions.

Residents Voice Expectations

Residents shared varied sentiments. Aisha Abdulkadir, a Bwari market trader, said, “we are tired of leaders who come during campaigns and then disappear.” Joy Okon, a Dutse market provision seller, wanted “someone who knows what they are doing, not somebody that just wants to enter politics for power.” Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, a mobile phone seller, prioritized “good roads, water and security; we don’t want slogans.” Civil servant Victoria Odumu sought “somebody who can do actual work,” rejecting empty promises.

With comprehensive preparations, high PVC uptake, and stakeholder appeals, today’s polls represent a critical moment for local governance in the FCT and affected states, testing Nigeria’s electoral reforms and democratic resilience.

Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/21/all-set-for-fct-polls-today-inec-to-test-2026-electoral-act/