The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has entered the final stages of preparation for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections set for 21 February 2026, marking the beginning of a high-stakes electoral year.
Speaking at the 2026 Regular Stakeholders’ Meeting with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, characterized 2026 as a pivotal year for the nation’s democracy. He emphasized that the period requires intensified intelligence sharing and inter-agency synergy to maintain order across various electoral activities.
The Commission confirmed that logistics for the FCT polls are largely in place, with non-sensitive materials already delivered and personnel training concluded. To ensure technical readiness, a mock accreditation exercise using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is scheduled for 7 February 2026.
“2026 is a critical electoral year requiring heightened security coordination, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to ensure peaceful and credible elections,” Amupitan stated.
The FCT elections are part of a broader 2026 roadmap that includes:
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Bye-elections in Rivers and Kano States.
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Off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States.
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A comprehensive nationwide voter revalidation exercise designed to update the register ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The National Security Adviser and ICCES Co-Chair, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Director of Internal Security Abdullahi Hassan, praised the conduct of security forces in the previous Anambra Governorship Election and promised a robust presence for the upcoming polls.
Backing this commitment, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by CP Abayomi Shogunle, assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force would maintain a massive deployment. He emphasized that the force remains dedicated to providing 24-hour protection for INEC staff, facilities, and voting materials across the country.
