INEC Opens Portal for Journalists Ahead of 2026 FCT Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened an online accreditation process for journalists and media organizations planning to cover the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.

In a notice issued on Monday, the electoral body said the accreditation is for media organizations intending to deploy reporters, photographers, and other editorial staff for the polls scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

INEC said applications must be submitted through its official media accreditation portal and will remain open until Sunday, February 8, 2026.

According to the commission, submissions received after the deadline will not be considered, stressing that the portal will automatically close at midnight on the closing date.

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The body clarified that there will be no extension to the accreditation window, urging interested media organisations to complete the process early to avoid last-minute issues.

The 2026 FCT Area Council election will see candidates from 17 political parties contesting a total of 68 positions, comprising six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats across the territory’s six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.

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Campaign activities are currently ongoing ahead of the February election.

INEC advised media organizations seeking additional information about the accreditation process to contact the commission through the designated support lines provided in the notice.