The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced February 21, 2026, as the date for the chairmanship and councillorship elections in the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this known during a meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday. He also urged political parties to begin preparations for the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Yakubu stated that the notice for the FCT elections will be published on February 26, 2025, as required by the Electoral Act 2022. Party primaries are slated for June 9 to 30, 2025, while campaigns will commence on September 24, 2025, and end on February 19, 2026.
The INEC Chairman also highlighted challenges faced in 2024, including office attacks in Benue and Delta states and flooding in Edo State. He called for reforms to address the high cost and disruption caused by recurring bye-elections, advocating for alternative methods to fill legislative vacancies.
Yakubu reiterated the commission’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s electoral process through sustained stakeholder engagement and adherence to legal provisions.
