By Olokuta Rofiat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially opened campaigns for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections. Political parties may now canvass for votes from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, until midnight on February 19, 2026, ahead of the polls scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
INEC said the campaign window is in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and its election timetable. The polls will produce winners for 68 elective positions across the territory—six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship slots in Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji area councils.
The commission also confirmed the release of the final list of candidates from 17 political parties, setting the stage for heightened political activities in the months ahead.
INEC, however, warned political parties, candidates, and supporters against misconduct such as hate speech, violence, destruction of campaign materials, and abuse of incumbency. It further stressed that all contestants must enjoy equal access to public facilities, outdoor advertising spaces, and media platforms during the campaign period.
The FCT Area Council elections, often regarded as a barometer of grassroots political influence, are expected to be hotly contested as parties mobilize support across the six councils.
