The Independent National Electoral Commission is preparing for its first significant exercise under the freshly enacted legal framework this Saturday. The commission will oversee the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections while also conducting critical bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states, a move seen as a testing ground for the Electoral Act 2026 recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
In anticipation of the polls, the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, declared today a work-free day and announced a total restriction of movement beginning tonight to ensure smooth electoral conduct.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, revealed that the FCT elections will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units spanning all six Area Councils.
Concurrently, the commission will oversee bye-elections in Rivers State for the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies, as well as in Kano State for the Kano Municipal and Ungogo State constituencies.
The 2026 Electoral Act brings several critical adjustments into effect, including the statutory entrenchment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the Election Results Viewing Portal, which INEC must now implement in real time.
Given that the FCT polls are the only local government-level elections directly conducted by the commission, observers see this weekend as a rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.
Wike Declares Work-Free Day, Orders Movement Restriction
Through a special broadcast delivered by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the work-free day, approved by President Bola Tinubu, is intended to allow residents to travel to their communities to participate in the elections.
To safeguard the process, the minister also issued a mandatory restriction of movement across the FCT.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8p.m., of February 20 to 6p.m., of February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” Wike stated.
He urged residents to approach the polls with purpose, emphasizing the importance of electing chairmen and councillors who will shape the territory’s future.
“We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum,” he added.
Wike also expressed gratitude for the recent assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, calling it a reflection of the administration’s commitment to free, fair, and transparent processes.
“Democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process,” he noted.
Finally, the minister encouraged a robust turnout at the polls, urging residents to vote for candidates who will drive development.
“My dear residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, and vote for the candidates of your choice. Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT,” Wike concluded.
