Political tensions rise across six councils as FCT polls near

Party primaries held late last year and earlier this year were themselves fraught with controversy, giving rise to defections, parallel campaign structures, and, in some cases, lingering court cases. Sources within the parties told The Nation that last-minute alliances and tactical withdrawals are still being negotiated behind the scenes, particularly in councils where margins are expected to be razor-thin.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for its part, has repeatedly assured stakeholders of its preparedness. Voter education campaigns have been concluded across markets, tertiary institutions, and motor parks, while security agencies—including the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC, and the military—are reported to be finalizing an integrated security plan to guarantee peaceful elections. Sensitive materials, according to INEC officials, will be deployed under tight security, with special emphasis on ensuring early arrival at polling units.

Observers note that the elections are also testing new dynamics in FCT politics. Youth voters are emerging as a decisive bloc, women candidates are increasing their participation, and digital platforms have become central to messaging and mobilisation. Campaigns across the councils have featured door-to-door outreach, town hall meetings, community endorsements, and an aggressive social media presence, reflecting the evolution of electoral strategy. In the final days before the elections, parties will need to leverage their distinct strengths and connect with voters in meaningful ways.

Despite INEC’s preparedness, fears persist among residents of violence, rigging, and vote trading. The absence of large, open campaign rallies has added to uncertainty, making it harder for voters to gauge candidates’ policies, competence, and ability to deliver. Security concerns have become central to public discourse: while Abuja remains the administrative heart of the nation, communities on the outskirts have recently experienced breaches that have reshaped perceptions of safety. Rising insecurity across the North Central region, including bandit attacks, has heightened anxieties over election-day safety, making security planning a defining feature of the 2026 polls.

Fear of electoral malpractice and vote trading continues to loom large, with analysts warning that such concerns could depress voter turnout—a recurring challenge in past FCT elections. Many residents feel disconnected from area council governance, seeing little direct impact on their daily lives, which heightens apathy and skepticism.

Nevertheless, INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan has reassured stakeholders of the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible election. He stressed strict adherence to electoral guidelines, urging political parties to campaign peacefully and residents to remain vigilant, reporting any irregularities to INEC or the security agencies. The February 21 polls will determine leadership across the six FCT area councils, critical institutions in local governance and development. Beyond selecting chairmen and councillors, the elections are expected to serve as a barometer of voter mood, party strength, and organizational capacity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Security preparations have dominated public discourse, with agencies signaling zero tolerance for criminal interference. Under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), security officials have assured operational readiness to maintain peace before, during, and after the polls. At a recent meeting with INEC, the FCT Commissioner of Police and ICCES co-chair, CP Miller Dantawaye, outlined plans to establish a joint situation room to coordinate election security. He confirmed the immediate deployment of police personnel to safeguard EFCC facilities across all six area councils and to secure points for PVC collection in all sixty-two registration areas. Dantawaye also pledged that ICCES would address operational bottlenecks that have historically hindered early security deployment on election day and ensure protection at known flashpoints to guarantee a smooth, peaceful process.

INEC FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, commended ICCES for its longstanding commitment to securing electoral activities in the territory. He emphasized that the presence of well-coordinated security forces over the years has been instrumental in safeguarding INEC’s programmes. With the elections only a month away, Idris noted that the robust participation of security agencies is crucial to bolstering public confidence and encouraging voter turnout.

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On the Commission’s level of preparedness, INEC FCT Administrative Secretary Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye affirmed that election activities are strictly time-bound and are being progressively implemented according to schedule. She explained that the Commission is actively engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders to strengthen the electoral ecosystem, ensuring that all processes leading to the Area Council elections are executed efficiently and transparently. INEC also noted that the recent ICCES meeting concluded with a resolution to hold another round of consultative discussions before the elections, aimed at fine-tuning security planning and coordination.

Beyond formal meetings, security outreach has extended directly into communities. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, embarked on an extensive tour covering Mabushi, Life Camp, Katampe, and the Bwari axis, engaging with residents, community leaders, traditional institutions, youth representatives, and commercial transport associations to emphasise the importance of respecting laws and maintaining order before, during, and after the elections.

These interactive sessions reinforced collaboration between the police and host communities, with particular focus on improving service delivery, fostering trust, and promoting peaceful coexistence in the lead-up to the 2026 Area Council elections. Community members shared concerns about prevailing security issues, while CP Dantawaye called on stakeholders to guide their youths toward a spirit of mutual understanding, reminding all that elections are not a “do-or-die” affair. He reiterated that effective policing relies on trust, timely information sharing, and active community participation.

Across the FCT, public sentiment remains measured. In city districts, elections feel distant amid the daily bustle, but in satellite towns and rural communities, interest is immediate. Residents speak of roads, sanitation, primary healthcare and local infrastructure—issues that fall squarely under council authority. For many voters, participation will hinge not only on political loyalty but also on confidence in the credibility of the process. These elections, therefore, represent more than a contest for local offices. They are a test of institutional coordination, public trust, and security management in the nation’s capital. How peacefully the process unfolds may shape perceptions of electoral integrity well beyond the FCT. For Abuja residents, the wait continues. Ballots will soon be cast, results will follow, and the city will return to its familiar rhythm. Yet the signals from this election—both political and security-related—are likely to resonate long after the last vote is counted.