The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set for its first major electoral exercise under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 as it conducts the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections this Saturday, alongside critical bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states.

The polls are widely regarded as a litmus test for the Electoral Act 2026, recently assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the commission prepares for the 2027 general elections.

 Newsworld reports that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed that a total of 1,680,315 registered voters are expected to participate in the FCT elections across 2,822 polling units spread within the six Area Councils.

The FCT polls remain unique, being the only local government-level elections directly conducted by INEC, unlike state-controlled local government elections elsewhere in the country. Observers believe the exercise will serve as a strategic rehearsal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Simultaneously, the commission will conduct 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.

BVAS, IReV Take Centre Stage

A key feature of the 2026 Electoral Act is the statutory entrenchment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the Election Results Viewing Portal.

The law now firmly backs the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the IReV portal, technological tools introduced in previous elections to enhance transparency and credibility.

With these innovations legally reinforced, INEC is expected to navigate the high-stakes adjustments in real-time during Saturday’s exercise.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced a work-free day and restriction of movement across the territory to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

In a special broadcast delivered by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike explained that the work-free day, approved by President Tinubu, was to enable residents travel to their communities to participate in the polls.

To further secure the electoral process, the minister announced a mandatory restriction of movement.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8 p.m., February 20 to 6 p.m., February 21, 2026. Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” Wike said.

‘Show The World We Are Mature’

Wike urged residents to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly during the elections, describing the process as critical to shaping the FCT’s future.

He stressed that electing chairmen and councillors for the six Area Councils presents an opportunity to influence grassroots development.

“We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum,” the minister said.

The minister also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into law, describing it as evidence of the administration’s commitment to credible elections.

“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 added.

Encouraging a massive turnout, Wike appealed to residents to seize the opportunity to elect leaders who would drive development and prosperity in the territory.

“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,” the former Governor of Rivers State said.