The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced the online accreditation process for journalists and media organisations covering the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. The elections are scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and the commission stated that the accreditation exercise is a crucial preparatory step in ensuring comprehensive and credible media coverage.
In a statement released on Monday, INEC announced that the online accreditation portal is now open for all eligible media organisations and individual journalists intending to report on the FCT electoral exercise. Interested applicants are required to submit their details via the commission’s portal at https://imap.inecnigeria.org. The commission urged applicants to submit early, stressing that the portal would automatically close at midnight on Sunday, February 8, 2026, with no extensions allowed for late submissions.
INEC also provided contact lines to assist media organisations unfamiliar with the accreditation process. Journalists experiencing difficulties with the portal or needing further information were advised to reach out to 07088844564 or 08032861058 for guidance.
Media accreditation ahead of elections allows electoral bodies to regulate the presence of journalists at polling units, collation centres, and other official election venues. Accredited journalists receive official identification, enabling them to access election areas and perform their reporting duties effectively. By covering campaigns, voter turnout, polling day operations, result collation, and post-election developments, journalists help ensure transparency, accountability, and timely dissemination of verified information.
The 2026 FCT Area Council elections will see candidates from 17 political parties contesting for 68 seats, including six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions across the six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. Analysts note that inclusive and accurate media coverage is essential to inform voters about their choices and maintain the credibility of the electoral process.
INEC’s adoption of an online accreditation portal is part of a broader strategy to modernise election administration in Nigeria. Digital tools have been increasingly employed in recent elections to manage key aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration, accreditation of observers and media personnel, and preliminary distribution of electoral materials. This approach has improved efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in election management.
As the accreditation process continues, media organisations are expected to submit applications actively. Observers anticipate increased political and media activity leading up to the February elections, with accredited journalists playing a central role in reporting campaign developments, election day proceedings, and post-election analyses.
INEC’s online accreditation initiative underscores the critical role of the press in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. By facilitating access for journalists, the commission aims to ensure that the 2026 FCT Area Council elections are covered transparently, professionally, and comprehensively.
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