Nigeria: FCT Polls - INEC Gives Political Parties Nod to Start Campaigns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that political parties participating in the February 21, 2026, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections were now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public.

INEC National Commissioner and chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, who disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja, said the campaigns commenced on Wednesday, September 25, 2025 and end on the midnight of February 19, 2026.

Olumekun reminded 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 also insisted that all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

According to Olumekun, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.

"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 24th September 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday 19th February 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 campaign, 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 statement read.

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