The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to hold its first major elections under the newly signed Electoral Act 2026 this Saturday, overseeing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls alongside key bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states.
The exercise will serve as a practical test of the new legal framework recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said the FCT elections will involve 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units in all six Area Councils. At the same time, bye-elections will take place in Rivers State for Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies, and in Kano State for Kano Municipal and Ungogo State constituencies.
The 2026 Electoral Act introduces significant changes, including the mandatory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which INEC will now implement for the first time in these elections. Observers see the FCT polls as a rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the work-free day and movement restrictions, Minister Wike explained that the measures were designed to allow residents to travel to their communities and participate fully in the elections. He stressed the importance of orderliness and respect for democratic processes, urging citizens to vote responsibly.
“Democracy is always evolving, and we must continue improving. I urge all residents to make their voices heard this Saturday by electing leaders who will contribute meaningfully to development, peace, and prosperity in the FCT,” Wike said, while expressing appreciation for President Tinubu’s assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
Security agencies have been deployed across the FCT to enforce compliance with the movement restrictions and ensure a safe and credible voting process. Residents are advised to cooperate and approach the elections with a sense of civic responsibility.
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