February 17, 2026

FCT Area Council Polls: Electoral Body Assures Full Preparedness Ahead of Saturday Vote

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared that it is fully set for the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The FCT Administrative Secretary of the commission, Abimbola Oladunjoye, gave the assurance during an appearance on Arise Television, stating that both personnel and materials required for the exercise have been adequately prepared.

She explained that all non-sensitive election materials have already been received, sorted, and distributed to the various Area Councils within the territory, while arrangements have been concluded to collect sensitive materials later in the week.

According to her, the commission will, by Thursday, move to the Central Bank of Nigeria to retrieve sensitive materials, which will be transported directly to the councils under secure conditions.

Oladunjoye further noted that ad-hoc and permanent staff engaged for the exercise have been trained, while the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been configured and tested for deployment. She added that the voter register has also been printed and packaged.

“We are fully prepared for the election. Virtually everything required has been put in place. Training has been concluded, materials have been distributed, and deployment plans finalized,” she said.

The commission expressed confidence that the polls across the Federal Capital Territory will proceed smoothly.