By Gabriel Ameh
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun preparations for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election with a strategic implementation meeting focused on enhancing voter education, inclusivity, and civic participation.
The meeting, held on Wednesday in Abuja, brought together officials from the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP), Gender and Inclusivity Department (G&I), Electoral Officers, representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Speaking on behalf of the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Abimbola Olagundoye, said the gathering marks the official commencement of INEC’s sensitisation and inclusivity activities ahead of the February 2026 Area Council elections.
She urged participants to harmonise their expertise and intensify public enlightenment across the 2,822 polling units, 62 registration areas, and six Area Councils of the FCT.
“This meeting provides a platform to advance discussions on the Commission’s approved voter education and inclusivity activities, as well as the roadmap for their implementation. Your understanding of voter demographics and information needs will shape the messaging for the diverse communities across the FCT,” she said.
Mrs Olagundoye called for strengthened coordination among stakeholders, encouraging them to work collaboratively to deliver clear, constructive, and non-violent voter engagement.
The Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs Lakunuya Dorathy Bello, reminded participants to strictly adhere to approved timelines, noting that early clarity and planning are critical to achieving impactful voter engagement.
“This session helps us walk through approved activities, highlight implementation strategies, and address operational considerations. Our collective goal is to deepen public awareness and ensure our interventions reach all communities women, men, young people, and vulnerable groups whose voices enrich our democracy,” she said.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, outlined INEC’s voter education platforms and urged media organisations to register early for accreditation once the portal opens, emphasising that only accredited journalists will be allowed to cover the elections.
Also speaking, the FCT Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ms Acharu Opaluwa, reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to support INEC, stating that the agency’s community-based structures will be deployed to enhance grassroots voter sensitisation.
The meeting featured two technical sessions led by Heads of Divisions, who presented practical strategies for executing voter education and inclusivity programmes ahead of the 2026 elections.
Editor-in-Chief: Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi
Editor: Wilfred Ifogah
Sub-Editor: Esther Chibuikem
Reporter: Jeremiah Bello
