INEC Explains Reasons For Postponing Council Elections Next Year

INEC Explains Reasons For Postponing Council Elections Next Year

Abuja – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged political parties and stakeholders to consider the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 (As Amended) concerning the tenure of Area Council Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)…….. CONTINUE READING

According to INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, speaking at a meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Friday, the current Chairmen and Councilors’ tenure is slated to expire in June 2026, not next year as speculated under the previous Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

Yakubu disclosed that the commission had received inquiries from several law firms, political entities, and aspirants regarding the timing of Area Council elections. These inquiries were based on the outdated provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, which stipulated a three-year tenure, contrary to the updated Electoral Act 2022 that mandates a four-year term.

“The National Assembly, exercising its legislative powers over the FCT, extended the tenure of Area Councils to align with national executive and legislative elections,” Yakubu clarified. He emphasized that elected officials took office under the new Electoral Act 2022, which governs a four-year term starting from their inauguration date.

“In line with judicial precedent and legal clarity, tenure commences upon the oath of office, not the election date,” Yakubu explained, citing Section 108(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which stipulates the dissolution of Area Councils after four years from the oath-taking of Chairmen or inauguration of legislative arms.

Yakubu assured stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to upholding electoral timelines as stipulated by law, releasing election timetables no earlier than 360 days before election dates to avoid premature electoral activities.

He underscored the significance of stability in Area Council governance in the FCT, noting the absence of caretaker committees and regular democratic elections across all constituencies.

“I urge aspiring candidates and political parties to adhere strictly to legal provisions and judicial rulings on tenure issues,” Yakubu concluded, pledging that INEC would announce the election timetable in due course.

Earlier, IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Mohammed Dantalle expressed appreciation for the clarification, highlighting stakeholders’ interest in ensuring electoral certainty and adherence to legal frameworks.

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