The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that forthcoming elections will serve as the first practical test of the Electoral Act 2026. The commission said the exercise will help assess the effectiveness of the new legal framework ahead of future nationwide polls.
The elections, scheduled for Saturday February 21 2026, will cover Area Council polls in the Federal Capital Territory as well as legislative bye elections in parts of Rivers and Kano states. According to INEC, the contests provide an opportunity to apply the updated provisions of the Act under real electoral conditions.
INEC noted that the new law strengthens the use of election technology, including biometric voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results. The commission said these tools are expected to enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and improve public confidence in the electoral process.
In the FCT alone, more than 1.6 million registered voters are expected to participate across over 2,800 polling units. INEC described the council elections as significant, given their scale and their value as a rehearsal for larger national elections.
The commission also confirmed that it is working with security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure peaceful conduct of the polls. It assured voters that all necessary logistics, including sensitive materials and trained personnel, would be in place ahead of election day.
INEC urged eligible voters to turn out and exercise their civic rights peacefully, stressing that the outcome of the elections would contribute to improving grassroots governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
