The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official commencement of electioneering campaigns by political parties ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement, said campaigns are to begin today, Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and will run until midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
He said the campaigns are to end two days before the scheduled election day of Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Olumekun said the development is in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the poll.
The statement said: “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) Area Council election are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and end at midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
“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.
“Similarly, 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 avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.
“The FCT Area Council election will hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.”
