The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed its readiness for today’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the exercise as the first major test of the newly enacted 2026 Electoral Act.
Voters across Abuja are expected to cast their ballots amid heightened security and extensive logistical arrangements. Elections will take place across the six area councils of the FCT, involving over 1.6 million registered voters across more than 2,800 polling units. Bye-elections are also holding in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies in Rivers State, as well as in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State, following vacancies caused by resignation and death of lawmakers.
INEC said it has established an Election Monitoring Centre to track activities and respond swiftly to any incidents during the polls. All sensitive and non-sensitive materials were deployed ahead of time, while voter accreditation devices were configured and tested to ensure smooth operations. Polls are scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m.
The commission disclosed that the FCT recorded a 94.4 per cent Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection rate ahead of the election, describing the turnout as encouraging and reflective of growing voter engagement across the territory.
President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the polls, urged voters, political parties, security agencies, and election officials to act responsibly and maintain order. He called on eligible citizens to vote without fear, warning against violence, intimidation, and any actions capable of undermining the credibility of the process. He also appealed to INEC to ensure timely accreditation, transparent collation, and prompt transmission of results in line with the Electoral Act.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by civil society groups over persistently low voter participation in parts of the FCT, particularly within urban estates. The groups warned that civic disengagement weakens accountability, allows poor governance to thrive, and limits citizens’ influence over policies that directly affect their daily lives.
Political parties have also reacted to developments surrounding the polls. Some opposition parties criticized the withdrawal of candidates close to election day, describing the move as undemocratic and contrary to electoral guidelines. Others expressed concerns over movement restrictions imposed ahead of the election, arguing that premature curfews could discourage voter participation and create unnecessary tension.
Despite differing opinions, residents across the FCT expressed hope that the elections would produce leaders capable of delivering tangible improvements in governance, infrastructure, and public services.
