Nigeria TV Info 

🗳️ All Set for FCT Polls Today, INEC to Test 2026 Electoral Act

Nigeria’s electoral system enters a new phase today as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections — the first major test of the newly signed 2026 Electoral Act.

The polls, taking place across all six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, mark a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic process, as electoral reforms introduced under the new law are deployed in a real voting environment.

📍 Massive voter participation expected

INEC has mobilised more than 1.68 million registered voters who will cast their ballots across 2,822 polling units in Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The elections are scheduled to begin at polling units throughout the territory, with only registered voters holding valid Permanent Voter Cards permitted to vote.

Security agencies and electoral officials have reportedly intensified logistical and operational preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.

⚖️ First real test of the 2026 Electoral Act

The election is widely seen as a practical trial of Nigeria’s updated electoral framework, recently assented to by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Key reforms in the Act include:

• Legal backing for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)
• Electronic transmission of results to INEC’s Result Viewing portal
• Manual collation retained as backup where network coverage is poor

While supporters say the reforms enhance transparency, some civil society groups have expressed concern about the hybrid system that still allows manual collation in certain circumstances.

🗳️ More than local elections

Beyond the FCT, INEC is also conducting bye-elections in parts of Rivers and Kano states to fill vacant legislative seats, making today’s exercise a nationwide test of electoral readiness.

Analysts believe the polls will provide insight into the commission’s preparedness for future elections, including the 2027 general elections.

🔎 Why the FCT polls matter

Unlike most local government elections in Nigeria, which are conducted by state electoral bodies, the FCT council elections are run directly by INEC — making them resemble national-level contests in structure and administration.

This unique arrangement means the outcome will serve as a key indicator of how effectively the new electoral reforms function in practice