The Independent National Electoral Commission has opened an online accreditation process for journalists and media organisations planning to cover the 2026 Federal Capital Territory, Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a notice issued on Monday, the commission announced that the accreditation is targeted at media organisations seeking to deploy reporters and other personnel for election coverage within the FCT.
“INEC has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the FCT Area Council Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February, 2026,” the commission stated.
INEC explained that applications must be submitted through its official media accreditation portal and noted that the portal opened on December 15, 2025, and will close on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The commission warned that the deadline would be strictly enforced.
“Late submission shall not be entertained as the portal will automatically shut down at midnight on Sunday, 8th February, 2026,” INEC said, adding that “there will be no extension of time.”
INEC advised media organisations requiring further clarification on the process to contact the commission through its designated help lines.
The 2026 FCT Area Council election will see candidates from 17 political parties contesting 68 elective positions, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and Abaji.
