President Bola Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct themselves peacefully during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers and Kano states.
The February 21, 2026 polls come days after Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged eligible voters to turn out without fear, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect.
“I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair and credible elections,” Tinubu said.
He cautioned political parties and supporters against violence and inflammatory statements, warning security personnel against intimidation or actions that could disenfranchise voters.
Tinubu also urged INEC to ensure timely accreditation, smooth voting, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in line with the new law.
INEC will conduct elections across the six area councils of the FCT involving 1,680,315 registered voters in 2,822 polling units, alongside bye-elections in Rivers and Kano.
In Rivers, polls will hold in Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies to fill vacant seats. In Kano, elections will take place in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies following the deaths of two lawmakers.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission had concluded major preparations, including training of personnel and configuration of BVAS devices, and accredited 83 domestic and five foreign observer groups.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has imposed movement restrictions in the territory from 8:00 p.m. on February 20 to 6:00 p.m. on February 21 to ensure a peaceful exercise.
