INEC Prepares for FCT Area Council Elections

The Nigeria===Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections on February 21, 2026. The commission held a forum for media executives, urging them to intensify voter education, promote professionalism, and uphold ethical standards in election reporting. Mohammed Haruna, a national commissioner, highlighted the media's central role in safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and ensuring credible elections. Aminu Kasimu Idris, the FCT resident electoral commissioner, detailed the preparations, including monitoring party primaries, publishing candidate lists, and activating BVAS machines. INEC has completed 10 of 13 key activities, with sensitive materials to be received from the Nigeria===Central Bank of Nigeria FCT branch on February 18. A mock accreditation exercise will be conducted in 289 polling units to test procedures. The Nigeria Union of Journalists commended INEC and called for accuracy, fairness, and protection for journalists. The FCT's voting population is larger than some states, attracting national attention, and these elections are the first since tenure extension under the Electoral Act.