Bolaji Idowu
The FCT Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, is drawing closer, and the Independent National Electoral Commission has begun online accreditation for journalists and media organisations planning to cover the polls.
In a notice issued on Monday, INEC confirmed that the accreditation exercise is now open to media houses seeking to deploy reporters, photographers, and other media professionals for the 2026 FCT Area Council Election. The commission said applications must be submitted exclusively through its official media accreditation portal.
INEC explained that the online portal opened on Monday, December 15, 2025, and will remain accessible until Sunday, February 8, 2026. Media organisations have been advised to complete and submit their applications within this period, as the system will automatically shut down at midnight on the closing date.
According to the commission, late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances, stressing that there will be no extension of the accreditation deadline for journalists covering the FCT Area Council Election.
INEC also urged media organisations that require clarification or additional guidance on the accreditation process to contact the commission through the designated telephone lines provided for support.
The 2026 FCT Area Council Election will feature candidates from 17 political parties competing for 68 elective positions. These include six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats spread across the six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
Meanwhile, campaign activities by political parties and candidates are already underway as preparations intensify ahead of the February 2026 FCT Area Council Election.