INEC Declares FCT Area Council Election Campaigns Open

By Anayo Akwitti

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared campaigns open for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election.

It stated that political parties participating in the exercise are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday September 24th 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday February 19th 2026.

The commission said the declaration is in accordance with the electoral act; “In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities, Political Parties participating in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement released on Wednesday through INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun reminded the parties, candidates and supporters not to use abusive language, attack or destroy campaign materials.

According to him; “As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind Political Parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials”.

He added that all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings for the election taking place in February 2026.