Millions of voters in the Federal Capital Territory are heading to the polls today, Saturday, February 21, 2026, as the Independent National Electoral Commission conducts Area Council elections across the territory.
Residents are electing leadership for the six area councils Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali, with positions including six council chairmen and 62 councillors up for grabs.
INEC has recorded strong voter readiness, with over 1.5 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected out of 1,680,315 registered voters, representing a 94.4 per cent collection rate.
Voters are expected to cast their ballots across 2,822 polling units in 62 wards, where approximately 637 candidates from 17 political parties are contesting the elective positions.
Ahead of the polls, the Resident Electoral Commissioner reassured stakeholders that all sensitive materials including ballot papers, result sheets and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines have been delivered to polling units.
INEC has emphasised that only registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be allowed to vote, reiterating its commitment to a free, fair and credible electoral process.
The elections are also regarded as an early gauge of political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts noting heightened competition among major parties in the nation’s capital.
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