INEC to Trial 2026 Electoral Act in FCT Council Polls and State Bye-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing for its first major electoral exercise under the newly enacted 2026 Electoral Act. Elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2026, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and selected constituencies in Rivers and Kano states.
These polls will serve as an early and crucial test of the reformed electoral framework recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. Observers widely regard this exercise as a strategic preview of INEC's preparations ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.
Details of the Electoral Exercise
INEC will conduct Area Council elections across the Federal Capital Territory, alongside bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed that the FCT elections will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units spread over the six Area Councils.
In Rivers State, bye-elections will be held in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies. Meanwhile, Kano State will see contests in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State constituencies.
Key Features of the 2026 Electoral Act
A major feature of the 2026 Electoral Act is the legal backing given to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV). These technologies are specifically aimed at enhancing transparency, credibility, and integrity in the voting and results collation process.
Since INEC directly conducts only local government-level elections in the FCT, Saturday's exercise is widely regarded as a litmus test for the commission's operational readiness and technical capacity under the amended law.
Security and Logistical Preparations
Ahead of the elections, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, declared Friday, February 19, 2026, a work-free day. This measure is intended to enable residents to travel to their respective communities to cast their votes without hindrance.
In a statement delivered through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike also announced a temporary restriction of movement across the territory. Movement within the FCT will be restricted from 8:00 p.m. on February 20 to 6:00 p.m. on February 21, 2026.
Security agencies have been directed to enforce strict compliance with this movement restriction. The minister urged residents to participate peacefully in the polls, emphasizing the critical importance of electing capable and competent chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils.
This electoral trial run is expected to provide valuable insights into the practical implementation of the new act, setting the stage for future national elections.
