The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially lifted the ban on campaigns ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that it aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities.
According to him, political parties participating in the polls are permitted to begin electioneering campaigns from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, until midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
While granting parties and candidates freedom to canvas for votes, the commission cautioned against violations of campaign rules, stressing that the law expressly forbids hate speech, abusive language, physical attacks on opponents, and the destruction of campaign materials during rallies, processions and meetings.
Olumekun further noted that all political parties and their candidates must have equal access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, rallies and meetings. He warned that Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act prohibits the use of incumbency to gain an unfair advantage over rivals.
INEC urged stakeholders to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law to ensure peaceful, credible and issue-based campaigns ahead of the February 2026 elections.
