The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that over 1.5 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected in preparation for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21. In anticipation of the elections, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a public holiday to facilitate preparations for the area council elections in Abuja.

Area Council polls to elect chairmen and councillors across the territory are expected to be held in all six area councils. Political parties formally concluded their campaigns on Thursday evening, urging supporters and eligible voters to participate actively in the democratic process.

Eligible voters in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari Area Council, Gwagwalada Area Council, Kuje Area Council, Abaji Area Council and Kwali Area Council will head to the polls to elect leaders to a total of 68 elective positions. These include six chairmanship seats—one in each area council—and 62 councillorship positions spread across the various wards.

A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Muhammed Haruka, INEC disclosed that as of the close of PVC collection on February 10, 2026, a total of 1,680,315 voters had been registered in the FCT.

“Out of this figure, 1,587,025 PVCs have been collected, representing an overall collection rate of 94.4 per cent, while 93,290 PVCs remain uncollected.”

The commission described the turnout for PVC collection as encouraging, noting that the figures reflect widespread participation in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and collection exercises conducted across the territory in the lead-up to the elections.

A breakdown of the statistics shows notable levels of compliance among registered voters in all six area councils.

In Abaji Area Council, 75,517 PVCs were collected out of 79,471 registered voters, representing a 95.0 per cent collection rate. Bwari Area Council recorded 276,360 collected PVCs from 295,711 registered voters, translating to a 93.5 per cent rate.

Gwagwalada Area Council posted 196,184 collected cards out of 208,057 registered voters, amounting to 94.3 per cent. Kuje Area Council recorded one of the highest percentages, with 144,109 PVCs collected from 148,286 registered voters, reflecting a 97.2 per cent collection rate.

In the Kwali Area Council, 99,774 PVCs were collected out of 107,203 registered voters, representing 93.1 per cent. The Abuja Municipal Area Council accounted for the largest number of registered voters and PVC collections in absolute terms, with 795,081 cards collected from 841,587 registered voters, indicating a 94.5 per cent collection rate.

INEC further noted that at the Registration Area level, several units recorded PVC collection rates exceeding 99 per cent. The commission said this trend demonstrates strong grassroots mobilisation and sustained voter interest in the electoral process.

It stated, “The commission commends voters in the FCT for their responsiveness and cooperation throughout the CVR and PVC collection exercises.

“The impressive figures recorded across the area councils indicate strong citizen readiness to participate in the electoral process.”

The commission reiterated that only duly registered voters who have valid PVCs will be allowed to vote on election day, stressing that the PVC remains the sole means of accreditation.

“The commission has put all necessary arrangements in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” the statement added.

An INEC official also confirmed that voting will commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026. It assured residents that logistics and personnel have been deployed appropriately to facilitate a smooth exercise across polling units in the six area councils.

FCT Minister Announces Holiday and Movement Restriction Before Area Council Elections

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared Friday a public holiday in preparation for Saturday’s area council elections in Abuja.

Barely 48 hours before the FCT poll, the minister disclosed that the decision was aimed at enabling residents and workers residing in the FCT to travel to their respective communities and participate fully in the polls.

He also announced a temporary restriction on movement across the FCT, which will begin at 8 pm on Friday and end at 6 pm on Saturday.

According to the minister, the measures were approved by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process. He directed security agencies to enforce compliance strictly during the restricted period.

“On Saturday, February 21, we will all have a crucial opportunity to shape the future of our great Federal Capital Territory,” the minister said.

“The election of either new or returning chairmen and councillors for the six area councils is a momentous occasion, and I urge you to come out in your numbers to exercise your right to vote. I urge you to go to the polls with a sense of purpose and responsibility.”

Wike emphasised the need for peaceful conduct before, during, and after the elections, urging residents to demonstrate political maturity.

“As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so in an orderly and lawful manner. Let us respect the rules, respect each other, and respect the outcome of the election,” he stated.

“We must show the world that we are a mature and responsible electorate, capable of conducting ourselves with dignity and decorum.”

He further explained that the work-free day, scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026, was granted to ease voter participation.

“At this juncture, with the approval of the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.

“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8 pm on Friday, February 20, to 6 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

“Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive.”

The minister also commended President Tinubu for assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promote credible elections.

“My dear residents, democracy has always been a work-in-progress due to the evolving democratic process. However, we will keep getting better by always looking into the Electoral Act with a view to strengthening our democratic process,” he added.

“To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026, and vote for the candidates of your choice.

“Our prayer, as an administration, is that the elections will facilitate the emergence of such quality leaders that will contribute meaningfully to development, peace and prosperity in the FCT.

“Together, let us build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our territory.”

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