The Independent National Electoral Commission is preparing to put the newly signed Electoral Act 2026 to its first practical test this weekend, during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and bye-elections across states.
Scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026, the polls mark a significant moment for Nigeria’s election framework, coming just weeks after President Bola Tinubu assented to the amended Act.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, confirmed that the FCT Area Council election will mobilise about 1.68 million registered voters across 2,822 polling units in all six area councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.
Alongside the FCT contest, INEC will also conduct bye-elections in:
Rivers State: Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies.
Similarly, in Kano State, the bye-elections in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies will determine fresh lawmakers to represent the affected areas.
These additional polls will help gauge how well electoral adjustments under the new Act perform in varied political contexts.
To ensure the technology works smoothly on election day, INEC has conducted mock accreditation exercises in selected polling units ahead of Saturday’s vote.
The commission has also warned against vote-buying, emphasising that security agencies and anti-corruption units will be on alert to enforce electoral laws.
In a bid to ensure widespread participation, the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, announced a work-free day for Friday, 20 February, and ordered a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m.
Wike urged residents to participate responsibly, saying the polls provide an opportunity for FCT citizens to help shape the territory’s future.
