Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially kicked off its strategic preparations for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election, slated for February 2026. The move signals a concerted effort to significantly boost voter education, inclusivity, and overall participation in the upcoming local polls.
Strategic Meeting on Implementation
INEC convened a crucial implementation meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, bringing together vital stakeholders. Participants included key personnel from the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP) and the Gender and Inclusivity Department (G&I), along with Electoral Officers, representatives from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Mrs. Abimbola Olagundoye, the Administrative Secretary, represented the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris. She declared the gathering as the official start of INEC’s sensitisation activities.
“This meeting provides the platform to advance discussions on the Commission’s approved voter education and inclusivity activities and the roadmap for their implementation,” Mrs. Olagundoye stated. She urged stakeholders to combine their expertise to improve voter turnout across the FCT’s six Area Councils, 62 Registration Areas, and 2,822 Polling Units.
Focus on Inclusivity and Engagement
A major theme of the meeting was the emphasis on a harmonised, constructive, and non-violent approach to voter engagement.
- Gender and Inclusivity: Mrs. Lakunuya Dorathy Bello, Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, stressed the need for strict adherence to approved timelines to ensure the quality of outreach. She underlined the shared goal: “to deepen public awareness and ensure our interventions reach every community; women, men, young people, and all groups whose voices strengthen our democracy.”
- Tailored Messaging: Participants were reminded that their knowledge of voter demographics is “vital in tailoring messages for diverse communities.”
- Media Accreditation: Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, reviewed existing voter education platforms and urged media houses to register early for accreditation once the portal opens, stressing that only accredited journalists will be permitted to cover the election.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), through its State Director, Ms. Acharu Opaluwa, reaffirmed its commitment, pledging to deploy its extensive grassroots structures to promote widespread sensitisation efforts ahead of the February polls. The meeting concluded with two technical sessions that detailed practical strategies for delivering the key voter education and inclusivity programmes.
Add Comment