By Joy Odor Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared open the campaign season for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, giving political parties the green light to begin electioneering from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, until midnight, February 19, 2026.
But the Commission also issued a stern warning: no violence, no hate speech, no thuggery, and no abuse of incumbency.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education on Thursday, INEC reminded parties, candidates, and their supporters that Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 outlaw the use of abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, and destruction of campaign materials during rallies, processions, and meetings.
The Commission stressed that all candidates must enjoy equal access to public facilities, media platforms, and advertising spaces, warning against the use of government incumbency to tilt the playing field.
Section 95(2) of the Act, INEC noted, makes it illegal for sitting officeholders to misuse state resources to the advantage or disadvantage of any candidate.
The crucial FCT Area Council election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
“Political parties must conduct their campaigns with civility, fairness, and strict adherence to the law,” Olumekun stated.
With campaigns officially underway, the battle for control of the FCT councils is expected to heat up in the coming weeks, testing the resolve of parties, candidates, and security agencies to keep the process peaceful and credible.
Residents of Abuja, from Gwagwalada to Bwari, Kuje to Abaji, will now watch as politicians flood their towns and villages with promises, posters, and rallies.
The stakes are high: control of the FCT councils often serves as a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader political currents, and the campaign trail here is expected to reflect national tensions.
For now, the message from INEC is clear: play fair, obey the rules, or face the law.
As the posters go up and the rallies roar to life, Nigerians will be watching, not just to see who wins, but whether the 2026 FCT election can set a new standard for peaceful and credible campaigns in the country.
