INEC Tests New Electoral Act 2026 in FCT Council and Bye-Elections

INEC Puts New Electoral Act to First Test This Weekend

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria is poised to conduct a significant test of the newly signed Electoral Act 2026 this Saturday, February 21, 2026. This landmark exercise will take place during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections and concurrent bye-elections across Rivers and Kano states. The polls are viewed as a crucial dress rehearsal for the 2027 general elections, allowing INEC to evaluate the practical application of the amended electoral framework.

Key Provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 Under Scrutiny

The Electoral Act 2026, recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu, introduces several adjustments to Nigeria's electoral process. Central to this weekend's test are the statutory entrenchment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV). These technologies, previously operating under guidelines, are now legally codified to enhance transparency and credibility.

A notable provision of the new Act is the framework for electronic transmission of results from polling units to the IReV. However, it includes a clause allowing for the use of manually registered results (Form EC8A) as the primary source for collation if electronic transmission 'fails as a result of communication failure.' The Act also reduces the notice period for elections from 360 to 300 days and allows for downloadable voter cards, aiming to increase voter participation.

FCT Area Council Elections: A Strategic Rehearsal

The FCT Area Council elections are particularly significant as they represent the only local government-level polls directly conducted by INEC, rather than state electoral commissions. Approximately 1.68 million registered voters are expected to participate across 2,822 polling units in the six area councils: Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali.

In preparation for the elections, the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, declared Friday, February 20, a work-free day and imposed a restriction of movement from 8 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.

Bye-Elections and INEC's Preparations

Alongside the FCT polls, INEC will conduct crucial bye-elections in two states. In Rivers State, elections will be held in the Ahoada East II and Khana II State constituencies. Similarly, Kano State will see bye-elections in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, confirmed that the commission has finalized extensive preparations. These include conducting mock accreditation exercises, delivering non-sensitive materials, training electoral officers and security personnel, and configuring BVAS devices. Sensitive materials for the bye-elections in Rivers State were received on Friday at the Port Harcourt branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While the new Act is hailed for some advancements, civil society organizations have expressed reservations, particularly concerning the electronic transmission clause's 'failure' provision and the reduction in the timeline for releasing election funds to INEC.