By Amah
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the upload of results from the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections to its online Results Viewing Portal (IReV), signaling the start of the final phase of the electoral process.
Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory operates a distinct local government framework made up of six Area Councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali.
These councils function similarly to local government areas (LGAs) in other states, overseeing grassroots administration, primary education, healthcare centers, markets, and community development initiatives. Given the FCT’s strategic importance as Nigeria’s seat of power, elections in the councils often attract heightened political interest and scrutiny.
Voting for the chairmanship and councillorship positions was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Following the close of polls and commencement of collation at various centers, INEC began uploading polling unit results to the IReV portal for public viewing.
As of the time of this report, the Independent National Electoral Commission has successfully uploaded approximately 60 percent of results from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), marking the highest level of progress among the six councils.
In contrast, results from Abaji, Bwari, Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali are still being collated and uploaded gradually. Electoral officials have indicated that the process is ongoing and expected to be completed within hours.
The use of the IReV portal reflects INEC’s continued efforts to enhance transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process. By allowing real-time public access to polling unit results, the commission aims to reduce speculation, build voter confidence, and curb allegations of result manipulation during collation.
Observers note that timely and consistent uploads will be critical in shaping public perception of the election’s integrity, especially in a politically sensitive territory like the FCT.
Final collation and official declaration of results are anticipated once all polling unit data across the six Area Councils have been fully uploaded and reconciled.
More details are expected as the process concludes.
