FCT Decides 2026: 1.58 Million Voters Armed with PVCs for Crucial Council Elections

 

​The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is on the brink of a major political shift as over 1.58 million residents have successfully collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Elections. This staggering figure represents a significant portion of the registered electorate, signaling a high level of civic readiness for an election that many analysts describe as a "litmus test" for the 2027 general polls. As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) finalizes logistics, the atmosphere in Abuja is charged with anticipation.

​The Numbers Behind the Polls

​According to the latest data released by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, the total number of registered voters in the FCT has climbed to approximately 1.68 million, with over 94% (1.58 million) having their PVCs in hand. This high collection rate is a testament to the success of the devolved Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and collection exercise that took place across the six area councils:

• ​Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC)
• ​Bwari
• ​Gwagwalada
• ​Kuje
• ​Kwali
• ​Abaji

​A total of 570 candidates from 17 political parties are vying for 68 elective positions, which include 6 Chairmanship seats and 62 Councillorship slots. The sheer volume of participants underscores the grassroots importance of these elections in the nation's capital.

​Technological Innovation: Upgraded BVAS and IReV

​In a bid to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral process, INEC has deployed the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) across all 2,822 polling units.

​"The results of the FCT Area Council Elections will be transmitted electronically to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real-time, in accordance with extant laws," Prof. Amupitan assured stakeholders.

​The commission has also addressed previous logistical bottlenecks by providing over 1,100 vehicles, 620 motorcycles, and even 14 boats to ensure that materials reach the most remote riverine communities in the FCT.

​The Political Stakes: A Rehearsal for 2027

​These elections are unique because the FCT is the only place in Nigeria where local government elections are conducted by INEC rather than a State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). This "federal-style" municipal election is being closely watched by the major political parties—the APC, PDP, and Labour Party.

​For the All Progressives Congress (APC), this is an opportunity to reclaim ground in the FCT after a challenging 2023 outing. For the Labour Party, it is a chance to prove that their 2023 dominance in the capital was not a fluke. The outcome will likely set the tone for political alliances and strategies heading into the 2027 national elections.