FCT Council Election Results to Be E-Transmitted – INEC Head

INEC Chairman Unveils Details of FCT Area Council Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has outlined key details regarding the upcoming FCT Area Council Elections, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. The elections, scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026, will involve a significant number of registered voters and polling units across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

Voter Participation and Election Infrastructure

According to the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, approximately 1,680,315 registered voters will participate in the elections. These voters will cast their ballots in 2,822 polling units spread across the six Area Councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali. A total of 570 candidates is contesting 68 constituencies for the positions of Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen as well as 62 Councilorship seats.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the elections, INEC will deploy about 11,873 polling unit officials across the six Area Councils. This includes 195 split polling units supported by 282 Supervisory Presiding Officers, 68 Local Government Area and Registration Area Supervisors and Monitors, 68 Registration Area Centre Managers, 208 Registration Area and LGA Technical Support Staff, and 192 Registration Area and LGA Collation Officers.

Ensuring Transparency and Credibility

The INEC Chairman emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the Electoral Act, the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines, and professionalism, neutrality, and efficiency in the discharge of duties. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been upgraded and will be deployed in all 2,822 polling units across the FCT for voter accreditation. Results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal in accordance with established procedures.

All required BVAS devices for the polling units, including those for the 195 split polling units, as well as the additional five per cent backup, have been thoroughly tested and fully charged for deployment on Election Day. To further strengthen public confidence, the Commission conducted a mock accreditation exercise using the improved BVAS in 289 polling units across the FCT. The outcome of that exercise was satisfactory, and the Commission is confident in the effectiveness and reliability of the system for this election.

Logistics and Security Measures

Logistics remains central to the successful conduct of elections. On Monday, 16th February 2026, the Commission met with the leadership of the transport unions responsible for providing the bulk of vehicles required for election duty. For this election, 1,132 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and 14 boats will be deployed. The Commission made it unequivocally clear that there must be no lapses in logistics on Election Day. Polling units are expected to open promptly at 8.30 a.m., and extensive discussions were held to ensure that the unions will fulfill their obligations to ensure timely movement of personnel and materials.

Stakeholder Responsibilities

As we approach Election Day, the Commission has substantially discharged its responsibilities. What remains is for all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring that the election is peaceful, credible, and that its outcome is widely accepted. The INEC Chairman reiterated that the Commission does not have a political party and does not have a preferred candidate. Our mandate is clear: to provide the enabling environment for residents of the Federal Capital Territory to freely choose their representatives on 21st February 2026.

He called on candidates and party leaders to prevail on their supporters to act responsibly, respect the rules, and allow the will of the people to prevail. The Chairman also addressed the issue of vote trading or vote buying, stating that the Commission has given an express mandate to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to deploy their personnel to polling units. Any individual found buying or selling votes will be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the law.

Media and Observer Roles

The Commission has accredited 89 domestic and foreign observer groups to observe the election. In addition, 700 journalists representing 72 domestic and foreign media organisations have been accredited to cover the process. The Chairman appreciated their role in strengthening public confidence and urged them to discharge their responsibilities professionally and in accordance with the applicable guidelines.

Final Appeal for Peaceful Conduct

The INEC Chairman appealed to stakeholders to recommit themselves to peaceful conduct and strict compliance with the law. He added that security agencies must remain professional and impartial. Political parties must conduct themselves responsibly. In addition, the media must report accurately. Observers must remain objective. Voters must turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise freely.