On February 21, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted chairmanship and council elections across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While the elections were generally peaceful, there were issues of voter participation, logistical issues, and underlying deep-rooted voter apathy in Nigeria’s local government electoral system.

About 637 candidates from 17 political parties contested for the 68 positions – 62 councillors and six area council chairpersons. Five of the area councils have 10 wards each, while AMAC has 12 wards.

In a statement issued by the INEC’s Acting Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, said the election recorded a 14.2 percent voter turnout—an increase from the 9.4 percent recorded in the 2022 FCT Area Council polls.

According to the commission, 1.68 million voters were registered for the 2026 exercise, compared to 1.58 million in 2022.

Meanwhile, out of the 1.68 million registered voters in 2026, 239,210 cast their votes. In contrast, in 2022, there were 148,685 voters out of 1.58 million registered voters, representing a turnout of 9.4 percent.

Issues Identified in the FCT Area Council Election

However, in the just-concluded election compared to the past elections and previous polls, there were fewer reports of major disruptions, violence, or large-scale procedural breakdowns.

However, the use of technological tools, including digital accreditation systems and electronic transmission platforms have strengthened electoral transparency.

Although the concluded election shows there is an increase in both the number of registered voters and accredited voters, there were massive reports of voters’ apathy, logistical and accessibility concerns, and limited consideration of PWDs in the 2026 election.

Logistical and Accessibility Concerns

While the election was peaceful, minor logistical delays were reported in some polling units, including the late arrival of materials and personnel in certain locations. Although not widespread enough to disrupt the overall process, such delays can discourage participation, especially among voters who are unwilling to wait for extended periods.

In previous elections, concerns have also been raised about accessibility for persons with disabilities and elderly voters. Though INEC has made commitments toward inclusivity, stakeholders argue that more visible, standardised support structures are still needed across all polling units.

Limited Access of PWDs

Across some polling units monitored, there were reports of inadequate ramps, uneven terrain, and limited priority arrangements for voters with mobility challenges. In certain locations, visually impaired voters reportedly relied heavily on companions due to insufficient assistive materials.

Although INEC has repeatedly pledged to promote disability inclusion in elections, including the use of tactile ballot guides and priority voting, implementation appeared inconsistent.

Voter Apathy

Despite an improvement in turnout figures, voter apathy remained a defining feature of the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, as many registered voters stayed away from the polls, and others complained of irregularities in the voter register.

The elections, conducted by INEC, recorded a 14.2 percent turnout, up from 9.4 percent in 2022. Out of 1.68 million registered voters, only 239,210 cast their ballots, leaving more than 85 percent absent from the democratic process.

Across several polling units, some residents who turned up to vote expressed frustration after discovering that their names were missing from the register. Others said they were informed that their polling units had been migrated to different locations without prior notice.

Such complaints contributed to delays and, in some cases, discouraged affected voters from pursuing further clarification.

Suggestions for Future Elections

To ensure better election outcomes, especially ahead of the general and governorship elections, INEC needs to intensify voter education, particularly on the importance of local governance.

First, there is a need for greater transparency and communication regarding the voter register. INEC may need to intensify public sensitisation ahead of elections, particularly around polling unit migration and register updates, to prevent last-minute confusion.

Also, political parties and candidates must shift from personality-driven campaigns to issue-focused engagements. There should be proper and clear development plans that would interest and persuade undecided voters.

For instance, voters’ turnout often mirrors governance outcomes. If residents see visible improvements in roads, schools, waste management, and security coordination, participation is likely to rise.

Strengthening the participation of PWDs, there is a need for INEC to deploy more tactile ballot guides, magnifying devices, and trained support staff across all wards, rather than limiting such resources to select locations.

There should be training for ad hoc staff on disability sensitivity, and communication is another key demand. Also, there should be collaborations between INEC and disability organisations during the planning stages to ensure real-time feedback and monitoring.

Lastly, logistical efficiency must continue to improve. Early deployment of materials, consistent accessibility measures for vulnerable groups, and clear communication on polling procedures can reduce friction points that discourage turnout.

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