The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on campaigns ahead of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the move aligns with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 8 of the election timetable.
According to him, political parties contesting in the polls may begin public campaigns from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and must end by midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Olumekun reminded parties, candidates, and supporters that Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act prohibit the use of abusive language, physical attacks, or the destruction of opponents’ campaign materials. He added that all parties must have equal access to public facilities for rallies, media campaigns, and outdoor advertising.
He further noted that Section 95(2) of the Act bars the use of incumbency to confer undue advantage or disadvantage on any party or candidate.
