ABUJA, Nigeria—President Bola Tinubu has called for an “orderly” conduct of elections across several key Nigerian regions on Saturday, marking the first major test of the country’s newly signed Electoral Act 2026.
The polls, scheduled for February 21, will take place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as in Rivers and Kano states. In a statement released on Friday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged voters to cast their ballots “without fear,” stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of “calm, tolerance, and mutual respect.”
New Technology and Hybrid Rules
The elections follow the recent signing of the Electoral Act 2026, a piece of legislation that has sparked intense debate among political observers. The law provides a formal legal framework for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results to a central portal.
However, in a move that has divided opinion, the law includes a “hybrid” provision. While electronic transmission is the primary goal, the law allows for manual collation to serve as a fallback in areas where poor network coverage or technical disruptions occur. Critics argue this could create vulnerabilities in the process, while proponents say it ensures no voter is disenfranchised by technological failure.
High Stakes in Key Regions
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is overseeing the following:
- FCT: Over 1.6 million voters will choose leaders across six area councils.
- Kano: Bye-elections in two major constituencies following the deaths of state legislators.
- Rivers: Vacancies in two constituencies caused by a resignation and a death.
Security remains a primary concern. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has imposed a movement restriction from Friday evening until Saturday evening to ensure a “peaceful electoral environment.” President Tinubu cautioned security forces against “high-handedness” and intimidation, reminding them their role is to protect the “sanctity of the ballot.”
Preparations and Oversight
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan stated that the commission has concluded its preparations, including the configuration of BVAS devices and the training of personnel. To ensure transparency, five international and 83 domestic observer groups have been accredited to monitor the process.
“I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people,” President Tinubu said, pledging his administration’s continued support for free and fair democratic processes.
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