The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has officially kicked off its voter education and inclusivity activities in preparation for the FCT Area Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, 21st February 2026. This followed a Joint Implementation Meeting held today Wednesday, 19th November 2025, involving the Voter Education and Publicity Department (VEP) and the Gender and Inclusivity Department (G&I).
Declaring the meeting open, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, expressed delight in welcoming participants drawn from key election stakeholder groups, including Heads of Departments, Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers, and selected Civil Society Organisations.
According to him, the meeting marks “the official commencement of the Commission’s voter education, sensitization, and inclusivity activities” for the forthcoming election. He emphasized that these efforts would provide a strong foundation for delivering a “free, credible, inclusive and informative” electoral process.
The REC outlined the meeting’s core objective: to review and align strategies for implementing the Commission’s approved voter education and inclusivity programmes. He called on participants to leverage their expertise in voter demographics, communication, and inclusivity to tailor messages that meet the diverse information needs of FCT voters.
He urged stakeholders to work collaboratively rather than competitively, stressing the importance of synergy in reaching voters across 2,822 polling units, 62 registration areas, and six Area Councils in the FCT.
In a goodwill message, Ms. Acharu Opaluwa, the FCT State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Theresa Ijeoma Eze, appreciated INEC for the partnership opportunity and reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to deepening grassroots voter education.
Delivering an overview of the meeting’s objectives, the Director of the Gender and Inclusivity Department, Mrs. Lakunuya D. Bello, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of full alignment in voter education and inclusivity programming. She noted that clarity at this stage of preparation is essential for effective field mobilisation and impactful voter engagement.
Mrs. Bello highlighted that the meeting would walk participants through approved activities, timelines, and implementation strategies while offering space to address operational challenges. She emphasized that the collective goal is to ensure wide-reaching, meaningful voter participation among all groups women, men, youths, and persons with disabilities.
The meeting later transitioned into a technical session, where Deputy Directors from various divisions presented detailed strategies and schedules for voter education, publicity, and inclusivity activities ahead of the 2026 polls.
Also Present at the Meeting:
Director Voter Education & Publicity Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi.
Mrs. Paula Iwenjora – DD, Voter Education (VE)
Mr. Wilfred Ifogah – DD, Publicity
Mrs. Perpetua Aligwara – DD, Graphics, Library & Documentation
Akaayar Hembadoon – DD, Gender
Nwanna Perpetual – DD, Inclusivity
Olufunke Obulu – AD, CSO Liaison (Representing the DD)
Six (6) Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs), and other attendees
