…Holds 1st quarterly consultative meeting with political parties
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) scheduled to holdon Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during the First Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Political Parties held at the Commission’s conference room in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said as his Commission is preparing to conduct the Anambra state Governorship election this year, the Commission is also mindful to her responsibility for other elections and electoral processes and activities.
Stressing that in section 28(1)of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the Commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of election.
The INEC Chairman while outlining the timetable the and schedule of activities for the elections, he also emphasized the Commission’s commitment in conducting a transparent and well-organized election.
Saying that following the legal requirement of the Electoral Act 2022, the notice for the FCT elections will be published on February 26, 2025.
According to Professor Mahmood , the timetable provided by the Commission has the following milestones that guide the FCT Area Council electoral process.
He said the Party Primaries will begin from June 9 to June 30, 2025 and Candidates Nomination Portal will open at 9:00Am to July 21,2025 and closes at 6:00 PM in the month of August 11, 2025 while the Final List of Candidates is to be published on September 22, 2025.
Explaining further on the election activities he said the commencement of Campaigns in the Area Council begin September 24, 2025 and ends midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026 while voting will take place across all designated polling units in the 68 constituencies to elect six (6) Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councillors.
Professor Yakubu also explained that the detailed timetable and list of constituencies have been made available on INEC’s website and hardcopies were also distributed to participants at the meeting.
Looking at this year activities,the Chairman described this year as a busier year, with major activities such as the Anambra State Governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025 and reminded the political parties to adhere to timelines for submitting their schedules of activities to ensure effective planning and deployment of resources.
The INEC Chairman who also raised concerns about the recurring cost and logistical challenges of conducting bye-elections, observing that that 14 new vacancies have arisen since the nine bye-elections conducted in early 2024.
He said his Commission has consistently advocated for since 2016. “Not only are these bye-elections costly, but they also divert the Commission’s attention from its other extensive electoral responsibilities,” he stated.
The INEC Chairman while appealing to political parties and other stakeholders to support the ongoing efforts to amend the relevant laws and making the electoral process more efficient and sustainable, he also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and its plans to resume nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and conduct outstanding bye -elections.
In his remarks, the National Chairman, Inter- party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Mamman Dantalle has observed that INEC being the regulatory body of political parties has conducted seven general elections from 1999 to 2023, aside numerous off-season elections, by-elections, re-run elections and supplementary elections.
He said with remarkable reforms and steady development in the electoral process, so much is expected from the Commission in conducting free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive elections that meet international standards and advised that the preparation for the conduct of the eight general election in 2027 should commence immediately to enable the Commission put in place all requirements in due time and to meet the expectation of Nigerians.
“While preparations for the Anambra State gubernatorial election are on, the Commission should also activate its Election Project Plan (EPP), Strategic Programme of Action (SPA), the 2022 – 2026 Strategic Plan and Strategic Plan Implementation Programme (SPIP) for the 2027 general election. To whom much is given much is expected, INEC should know that fellow compatriots count on it for transparent elections that will usher in visionary leaders who will transform the nation.
“The Commission should justify the confidence reposed in it, put its act together and improve on previous performance.”He further advise.
The IPAC Chairman also observed that the conduct of successful election is a collective responsibility of stakeholders and it is this reason he said we must rebuild trust in the electoral process.
” Low voter turnout in previous elections is worrisome and a sad commentary in our democratic process. This narrative must change! We must continue to work together in ensuring electoral integrity, the sanctity of the ballot box and the mandate of the people.”He said.
The IPAC Chairman while urging the stakeholders to support the Commission in discharging its statutory duties essential in consolidating and strengthening our constitutional governance, he also called on the National Assembly to expedite action in the on-going Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments, as time is of the essence; as well as ensure diligent and speedy consideration and passage of the 2025 appropriation bill.
He further called on citizens to be alive to their civic responsibilities and ensure that those they voted into office should give genuine account of their stewardship. Pointed that their performance will determine their fate in future elections.
“Expectations of Nigerians are becoming higher. Governments at all levels should articulate and implement people-focused programmes and projects that will assuage their sufferings and foster economic growth, political stability, social justice, religious harmony, and national security and unity. ”
He also advised leaders of political parties of their commitment in making our democracy to work for the benefit of citizens and do away with partisan politics, victimization of political opponents and marginalization among other things.
“As leaders of political parties, we are committed to making our democracy work for the benefit of the people on whom sovereignty resides. Nation building is a collective responsibility, we should therefore set aside partisan politics, victimization of political opponents and marginalization of fellow citizens,” he concluded.
