By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will on Saturday, February 7, 2023, officially publish the notice of the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026, Prompt News reports.
Section 44 of the Electoral Act, 2022, provides for no later than 14 days before the FCT Area Council Election INEC undertakes the publication of Notice of Poll.
This is even as the last day for campaigns by political parties participating in the FCT Area Council Election, which is slated for Thursday, February 19, 2026, while Saturday, February 21, 2026, is the election day.
Section 178 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) empower the Commission to appoint dates for Governorship (FCT) election not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder.
Meanwhile, INEC has already executed seven out of nine items leading to the 2026 FCT Area Council Election.
Already executed in the in the election timetable and schedule of activities were Conduct of Party Primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the Primaries from June 9 to 30, 2025; Submission of Forms EC9,EC9F and EC9G online Nomination Portal July 21to August 11, 2025 and Publication of Personal Particulars of Candidates (EC9) by the Commission.
Other activities executed by INEC were Last day for Withdrawal by Candidates and Replacement of Withdrawn Candidates by Political parties on August 31, 2025; Last day for Submission of nomination forms ( EC9B) by Political Parties on September 10, 2025; Publication of Final List of Nominated Candidates by the Commission on September 22, and the Commencement of Campaign by Political Parties in publi on September 24, 2025 respectively.
No fewer than 68 candidates will be elected on the February 21 election, with 62 being councillors, while six chairmen will also emerge from the poll.
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