FCT poll: INEC begins online accreditation for journalists

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations that intend to cover the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

In a notice released on Monday, the commission announced that the accreditation exercise is open to interested media organisations seeking to deploy journalists for election coverage.

According to the commission, “INEC has commenced online accreditation for journalists and media organisations intending to cover the FCT Area Council Election scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February, 2026.”

INEC stated that applications must be submitted through its official media accreditation portal at https://imap.inecnigeria.org

The announcement disclosed that it will be opened today, December 15, 2025, and will close on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The commission stressed that applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered, noting that “Late submission shall not be entertained as the portal will automatically shut down at midnight 12:00am (Midnight) on Sunday, 8th February, 2026.”

INEC further warned that “There will be no extension of time.”

INEC advised media organisations requiring further information on the accreditation process to contact the commission via the designated phone numbers, 07088844564 or 08032861058.

Candidates from 17 political parties are vying for 68 seats in the 2026 Area Council election. The figure, which includes six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions across the six area councils- Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.

Campaign activities are currently ongoing.

The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security and foreign affairs.

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