Tinubu Calls for Peaceful Elections in FCT, Rivers, Kano

President Bola Tinubu has urged for peaceful conduct in the upcoming elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers State, and Kano State, scheduled for February 21, 2026. In a statement issued on Friday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu called on eligible voters to participate confidently, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.

He cautioned political parties and candidates against violence and inflammatory rhetoric that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Additionally, Tinubu warned security personnel against using excessive force that could intimidate voters and disenfranchise citizens, which would weaken public trust in the elections.

He assured that the Nigerian federal government would continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct elections across six area councils in the FCT, involving 1,680,315 registered voters across 2,822 polling units.

The supplementary elections in Rivers State will replace lawmakers whose seats became vacant due to resignation or death, while bye-elections in Kano State will follow the deaths of two members of the state house assembly.