Janet Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is entering a busy phase, with bye-elections, voter registration, and preparations for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections all lined up in the coming days.
A statement by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education, Committee, Sam Olumekun after its weekly meeting on Thursday, said voters in 16 constituencies across 12 states will head to the polls this Saturday, August 16, to fill vacant legislative seats, some due to resignations, others from the demise of lawmakers, alongside court-ordered re-runs in parts of Anambra and Kano States.
According to INEC, sensitive and non-sensitive materials, including configured Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, are ready for deployment, with ad hoc staff trained and logistics secured, noting that campaigns for the polls end at midnight Thursday, and the electoral body is urging political parties, candidates, and voters to “play by the rules” to guarantee a peaceful and credible process.
Beyond Saturday’s polls, the commission is resuming the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from Monday, August 18. Online pre-registration kicks off first, while physical registration will commence a week later on August 25 at 811 INEC offices nationwide. The exercise will also allow voters to transfer their polling units or replace damaged and lost PVCs, but the commission warns that multiple registration remains a criminal offence.
For Abuja residents, according to the statement, INEC is also setting the stage for the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, where seventeen political parties have submitted 637 candidates for 68 positions, six chairmanship and 62 councillorship slots. The personal particulars and credentials of these candidates will be displayed from August 18 in INEC offices across the six area councils, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
Nigerians are being encouraged to inspect the displayed documents and, where necessary, challenge any false claims in court. The final list of candidates will be published on September 22, giving residents a clear picture of the choices ahead for the FCT poll.
The statement said the commission will keep the public fully informed as the activities unfold.
