From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed February 21, 2026 as the day for Federal Capital Territory Council polls.
Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, stated this while addressing Political Parties in Abuja on Wednesday.
Speaking further with the political parties he said, “as you are aware, the Commission is responsible for the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the only part of the country where INEC conducts local government election”.
“The last Area Council election in the FCT was held on 12 February 2022. By the effluxion of time, the tenure of the current Chairmen and Councillors ends next year. Consequently, the Commission has approved that the 2026 Area Council election in FCT will hold on Saturday 21st February 2026.
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“Voting will take place in all the designated Polling Units across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councilors.
“For this, the notice would be publish on the 26th February 2025; while Party primaries will be held from 9th – 30th June 2025. The candidate nomination portal will open from 9.00am on 21st July 2025 to 6.00pm on 11th August 2025.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 22nd September 2025 while the Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 24th September 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 19th February 2026.
“The details of this Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election as well as the list of constituencies and type of elections in the FCT will be uploaded to INEC website www.inecnigeria.org.
“In due course, the Commission will come up with plans for other routine activities such as the resumption of nationwide Continuous Voter registration (CVR), and the conduct of outstanding bye-elections”, he said.
Responding after INEC Chairman’s address, the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, said, Nigerians should evaluate all their political leaders right from May 29 2023 to 2025, and know how to elect officers who have delivered on their electoral promises to them.
On INEC, he said, “To whom much is given much is expected, INEC should know that fellow compatriots count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation. The Commission should justify the confidence reposed in it, put its act together and improve on previous performance.
“Low voter turnout in the previous elections is worrisome and a sad commentary in our democratic process. This narrative must change! We must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people.”, he added.
IPAC equally urged the National Assembly to expedite action in the on-going Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments, as time is of the essence; as well as ensure diligent and speedy consideration and passage of the 2025 appropriation bill.
Speaking on the Judiciary, he said, “the Judiciary ought to be the last hope of all aggrieved people. it is expected to dispense justice without fear or favour. Sadly, some judicial officers have turned the court to a bazaar.
“We therefore, call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to wield the big stick on corrupt Justices especially the ones that meddle in the internal affairs of political parties to serve as a deterrent to others”, he appealed.
