Game On! INEC Declares Campaigns Open For 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted the restriction on political campaigns ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

According to the Commission, the decision aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Item 8 of the approved timetable and schedule of activities.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that campaigns would run from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, until midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

“Political parties participating in the 2026 FCT Area Council elections are now free to commence their electioneering campaigns in public,” the statement declared.

INEC further stressed that all parties and candidates must be given equal access to public facilities for campaign purposes, including media platforms, outdoor advertising, rallies, and meetings.

The Commission warned against misuse of incumbency to confer undue advantage or disadvantage, referencing Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022.

Olumekun also reminded stakeholders of Sections 92 and 93 of the Act, which prohibit hate speech, violence, or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials during political activities.

“It is unlawful to employ abusive language, engage in physical attacks, or destroy campaign materials belonging to opponents,” he cautioned.

INEC assured that it would closely monitor compliance, urging all parties, candidates, and supporters to embrace peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would strengthen democracy and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.