Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State and Rivers State are holding Area Council elections and bye-elections, with senior political actors active in mobilising support and security measures implemented ahead of polling day on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting elections across the six area councils of the FCT and bye-elections in two constituencies in Rivers and two in Kano State.
The elections occur days after the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, which introduces changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework.
In the FCT, 1,587,025 voters are expected to participate in contests for six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats.
In Abuja Municipal Area Council and Bwari, candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew in favour of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates after political consultations involving the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
INEC confirmed deployment of thousands of polling officials, vehicles, motorcycles, and boats to support the voting process across the FCT, with measures to ensure accreditation and result handling using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
Security agencies have implemented movement restrictions and deployed personnel across polling areas in the FCT and Kano to maintain order.
The Nigeria Police announced restrictions on movement in Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government Areas, with exceptions for essential and electoral personnel only.
Nine political parties are contesting the bye-elections in Kano State following the vacancies created by the deaths of two lawmakers.
In Rivers State, bye-elections are underway in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State Assembly constituencies.
President Bola Tinubu has issued statements urging peaceful and orderly conduct during the elections, calling on voters, security agencies and INEC officials to perform their duties professionally and without intimidation.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said voter participation has been notable, with the highest PVC collection figures in AMAC.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said, “The Command assures the public of adequate security and neutrality,” urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement.
President Tinubu said in a statement, “The democratic process thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect,” addressing voters, security agencies and election officials.
These elections represent the first major electoral exercise under the amended Electoral Act 2026 and carry implications for how future elections may be administered.
The mobilisation of political figures such as Wike, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signals active engagement by key actors in shaping political outcomes at local and sub-national levels.
