The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. According to Olumekun, campaigns began on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and will continue until midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
He explained that the timeline aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, as well as Item 8 of INEC’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities for political parties participating in the polls.
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“In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, political parties participating in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and end at midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026,” the statement read.
INEC also cautioned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against engaging in abusive language, physical violence, or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials, in line with Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act. The Commission further emphasized that all parties must enjoy equal access to public facilities for rallies, media campaigns, and outdoor advertising, while stressing that Section 95(2) of the law prohibits the use of incumbency to favor or disadvantage any party.
The 2026 FCT Area Council election is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
What you should know
INEC’s declaration signals the official start of campaign season for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections. With strict rules against hate speech, violence, and abuse of incumbency, the Commission is setting the stage for what it hopes will be a fair and orderly election in Nigeria’s capital.
