FCT Area Council election: INEC meets stakeholders on voter education, inclusivity

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed on Thursday that it has commenced preparations for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election with a strategic implementation meeting aimed at strengthening voter education, inclusivity, and participation.

The meeting, held on Wednesday in Abuja, according to an INEC bulletin on Thursday, brought together key stakeholders from the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP), Gender and Inclusivity Department (G&I), Electoral Officers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Representing the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Abimbola Olagundoye, said the gathering signals the official take-off of INEC’s sensitisation and inclusivity activities ahead of the February 2026 polls.

She urged participants to harmonise efforts and deploy their expertise to improve voter turnout across the 2,822 Polling Units, 62 Registration Areas, and six Area Councils.

“This meeting provides the platform to advance discussions on the Commission’s approved voter education and inclusivity activities and the roadmap for their implementation”, she said.

Continuing, she added, “Your knowledge of voter demographics and information needs will be vital in tailoring messages for diverse communities across the FCT”.

Mrs Olagundoye emphasised the need for coordinated voter enlightenment, encouraging stakeholders to pool resources and operate as partners to deliver clear, non-violent, and constructive voter engagement.

The Director (Gender and Inclusivity Department), Mrs Lakunuya Dorathy Bello, called on stakeholders to align strictly with approved timelines, noting that clarity at this stage was essential to achieving the expected quality of engagement.

“This session allows us to walk through the approved activities, highlight implementation strategies, and reflect on operational considerations. Our shared goal is to deepen public awareness and ensure our interventions reach every community; women, men, young people, and all groups whose voices strengthen our democracy,” she stated.

The Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, reviewed the Commission’s voter education platforms and urged early media registration for accreditation once the portal opens, stressing that only accredited journalists will be permitted to cover the election.

The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Acharu Opaluwa, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to support INEC, noting that NOA’s grassroots structures will be deployed to promote widespread sensitisation.

The meeting featured two technical sessions led by Heads of Divisions, who outlined practical strategies for delivering voter education and inclusivity programmes ahead of the Febru ofary polls.