INEC Warns Parties on Conduct as FCT Election Campaign Kicks Off

INEC Warns Parties on Conduct as FCT Election Campaign Kicks Off

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared open the campaign season for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election, cautioning political parties and their supporters against violence, hate speech, and abuse of incumbency.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission said campaigns officially begin on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and will run until midnight on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Olumekun stressed that while the Electoral Act 2022 guarantees political parties the freedom to canvass for votes, it also imposes clear restrictions to ensure peaceful conduct.

“Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 make it unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings, or destroy their campaign materials,” he noted.

He further reminded stakeholders that access to public facilities must not be denied to any candidate or party, whether for rallies, outdoor advertising, or media campaigns.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Act prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” Olumekun added.

The FCT Area Council election will hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, across the six councils of the territory.