By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Independent National Electoral Commission has said that over 1.5 million voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the February 21, 2026, elections.
The announcement comes as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared Friday, February 20, 2026, a work-free day and imposed a restriction of movement from 8 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, ahead of the election.
The electoral body fixed February 21 to elect chairmen and councillors in the six area councils of the FCT.
On Thursday evening, political parties concluded their campaigns, urging residents to participate actively in the polls across the six FCT area councils.
Voters in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali will head to the polls to elect chairmen and councillors.
A total of 68 positions are being contested, including six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship roles.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Muhammed Haruka, the commission disclosed that as of the close of collection on February 10, 2026, a total of 1,680,315 voters were registered in the FCT.
According to the statement, “Out of this figure, 1,587,025 PVCs have been collected, representing an overall collection rate of 94.4 per cent, while 93,290 PVCs remain uncollected.”
A breakdown of the figures across the six area councils shows a strong turnout in PVC collection.
The statement stated that in Abaji Area Council, 75,517 PVCs were collected out of 79,471 registered voters, representing a 95.0 per cent collection rate.
Bwari Area Council recorded 276,360 collected PVCs out of 295,711 registered voters, translating to 93.5 per cent.
Gwagwalada Area Council posted 196,184 collected PVCs out of 208,057 registered voters, representing 94.3 per cent, while Kuje Area Council recorded 144,109 collected PVCs out of 148,286 registered voters, reflecting a 97.2 per cent collection rate.
Kwali Area Council saw 99,774 PVCs collected out of 107,203 registered voters, representing 93.1 per cent.
In the Abuja Municipal Area Council, 795,081 PVCs were collected out of 841,587 registered voters, indicating a 94.5 per cent collection rate.
The commission noted that at the Registration Area level, several units recorded collection rates exceeding 99 per cent, demonstrating what it described as strong grassroots engagement across the territory.
It stated, “The commission commends voters in the FCT for their responsiveness and cooperation throughout the CVR and PVC collection exercises.
“The impressive figures recorded across the area councils indicate strong citizen readiness to participate in the electoral process.”
INEC reiterated that only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs would be allowed to vote on election day.
“The commission has put all necessary arrangements in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election,” the statement added.
In a special broadcast on national television and radio stations earlier on Thursday, Wike urged residents to participate in the polls.
His broadcast was contained in a press statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Announcing the work-free day and movement restriction, Wike noted that they were approved by President Bola Tinubu to allow residents to travel to their communities and ensure smooth voting.
“With the approval of President Bola Tinubu, I hereby declare Friday, February 20, 2026, as a work-free day to enable the movement of residents to their various communities to participate in the elections.
“Similarly, the President has approved the restriction of movement within the FCT from 8pm on Friday, February 20, to 6pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
“Consequently, all security agencies are directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive,” he said.
Wike asked residents to actively participate in the election and exercise their rights.
He added, “To all FCT residents, I urge you to make your voice heard. Come out on Saturday, February 21, 2026 and vote for the candidates of your choice.
