INEC Lifts Ban on Campaigns for 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
*By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Electoral Body Greenlights Political Campaigns Ahead of 2026 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted the ban on political campaigns for the upcoming 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
Akahi News gathered that the announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to INEC, the move aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item eight of the election timetable and schedule of activities. Campaign activities are expected to run from Wednesday, 24 September 2025, until midnight on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
Political Parties Free to Begin Campaigns
Olumekun stated that all political parties contesting the elections are now permitted to embark on electioneering campaigns in line with the electoral timetable.
He stressed that:
“Political parties participating in the 2026 FCT Area Council election are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public.”
The electoral body further warned against any form of discrimination in granting political parties access to public facilities such as media platforms, outdoor advertising spaces, and venues for rallies and meetings.
INEC Warns Against Incitement and Violence
Citing Sections 92, 93, and 95(2) of the Electoral Act, INEC reminded parties and candidates that the use of abusive language, physical attacks, or destruction of campaign materials during rallies and processions remains strictly prohibited.
“It is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents, or destroy their campaign materials,” Olumekun emphasised.
The Commission assured stakeholders that it would monitor compliance with the law and urged parties to focus on peaceful, issue-based campaigns to deepen democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.
Commitment to Democratic Values
Analysts believe INEC’s decision sets the stage for a competitive yet regulated electoral process, giving all political actors the opportunity to reach voters under equal conditions.
Observers also note that the call for issue-based campaigns signals a renewed focus on credible and violence-free elections in Nigeria’s capital territory.
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