By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for absolute decorum, transparency, and a commitment to peace as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) prepares for its Area Council elections, alongside bye-elections in Rivers and Kano States scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on the eve of the polls, the President emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy rests on the shoulders of every stakeholder involved.
The President’s directive was specifically segmented to address the three pillars of the electoral process: the electoral umpire, the enforcement agencies, and the Nigerian electorate.
Tinubu called on all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear, emphasising that democracy thrives best in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.
The President appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory statements, and any actions that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
He cautioned against high-handedness, intimidation, or any acts that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, stressing that security personnel are present to protect lives, property, and the sanctity of the ballot.
Tinubu said, “Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
“To all residents of the FCT, Kano, and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation.”
He also urged INEC to take all necessary measures to bolster voters’ confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, smooth voting processes, accurate collation, and prompt transmission of results, in line with the 2026 Electoral Act.
INEC will conduct elections across the six area councils of the FCT, involving 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units, alongside bye-elections in Rivers and Kano states.
In Rivers State, bye-elections will be held in the Ahoada East II and Khana II constituencies to fill vacancies arising from the resignation and death of sitting legislators.
In Kano State, elections will take place in Kano Municipal, with 330,228 voters across 630 polling units, and Ungogo constituency, with 205,418 voters across 384 polling units, following the deaths of two members of the State House of Assembly.
