The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official commencement of political campaigns ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In a statement on Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said political parties are now free to begin electioneering campaigns, effective September 24, 2025. The campaign window will run until midnight on February 19, 2026, in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the Commission’s timetable and schedule of activities.
The elections themselves are slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Olumekun emphasized that while campaigns are a critical part of the democratic process, they must be conducted within the confines of the law. He reminded parties, candidates, and their supporters that Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act expressly prohibit the use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, and the destruction of campaign materials during rallies, processions, and meetings.
He further stressed the need for equal access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, and public rallies, warning against the misuse of incumbency. “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” the statement read.
INEC also confirmed the release of the final list of candidates who will contest in the 2026 Area Council elections. The list features candidates from 17 political parties who successfully submitted their nomination forms by the August 11, 2025 deadline.
A total of 68 positions are up for grabs, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship slots across the six area councils of Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. The publication of the final list follows the earlier display of candidates’ personal particulars on August 18, 2025, as required by law after the conduct of party primaries.
