FCT polls: INEC lifts ban on campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed political parties participating in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections to commence public campaigns beginning from yesterday. A statement by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the campaigns would end on February 19, 2026.  The electoral body […]

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed political parties participating in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections to commence public campaigns beginning from yesterday.

A statement by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the campaigns would end on February 19, 2026. 

The electoral body also directed that parties and candidates must be given access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

The commission said the directive was in line with Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which also prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.

Our correspondent reports that INEC has fixed February 21, 2026 for the elections