INEC Plans Mock Accreditation Exercise for FCT Polls Ahead of 2026 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct a mock accreditation and result upload exercise in preparation for the February 21, 2026, FCT Area Council elections. The exercise is set to take place on February 7, 2026, at 289 selected poll units from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The aim is to test the accreditation process and result transmission technology to ensure a credible electoral experience. INEC urges registered voters in affected poll units to participate using their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is leading security strategy meetings with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to coordinate security measures ahead of the FCT elections and the upcoming Ekiti governorship poll scheduled for June 20, 2026.

Security agencies are urged to be vigilant in curbing electoral malpractices, with a focus on enforcing the law and maintaining electoral integrity. Key figures in these security discussions include Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.