🗳️ We observed the FCT Area Council Elections & here's what we found on the ground — Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs FCTA, was present in her official capacity monitoring women's engagement in the electoral process. Voters reported lower turnout compared to previous elections, and polling unit relocations left many voters unable to find where to cast their votes. Democracy works only when the process works for the people.
#FCTElections #NigeriaElections #VoterTurnout #VoterEducation #ElectionObservation #CivicEngagement #Democracy
🗳️ We observed the FCT Area Council Elections & here's what we found on the ground — Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs FCTA, was present in her official capacity monitoring women's engagement in the electoral process. Voters reported lower turnout compared to previous elections, and polling unit relocations left many voters unable to find where to cast their votes. Democracy works only when the process works for the people.
#FCTElections #NigeriaElections #VoterTurnout #VoterEducation #ElectionObservation #CivicEngagement #Democracy
SOCIETY FOR PEACE AND CAPACITY BUILDING (SPCB)
PRELIMINARY ELECTION OBSERVATION STATEMENT
FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTION – 21 FEBRUARY 2026
° *Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria*
Released: 22 February 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
On 21 February 2026, INEC conducted elections into the six Area Councils of the FCT, covering 68 elective positions (6 Chairpersons and 62 Councillors).
1 According to INEC:
• Registered voters: 1,680,316
• PVCs collected: 1,587,025
• Total candidates: 637
• Participating parties: 17
2️⃣ SPCB deployed 25 trained, non-partisan observers across the six Area Councils.
Observers used a standardized checklist aligned with:
• INEC Regulations & Guidelines
• International election observation standards
A structured WhatsApp platform enabled real-time reporting and data verification.
3️⃣ **Opening of Polls**
INEC officials arrived between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, depending on location.
• Many polling units opened on time.
• Some experienced logistical delays.
4️⃣ **Accreditation & Voting**
Voting commenced between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in most observed polling units.
• BVAS functioned effectively in the majority of locations.
• Minor technical issues (under 20% of observed units) were promptly resolved.
• Isolated delays were noted in parts of Kwali Area Council.
BVAS use enhanced transparency and credibility.
5️⃣ **Security Deployment**
Security personnel were present in most polling units.
Agencies observed:
• Nigeria Police Force
• FRSC
• Nigerian Correctional Service
• NSCDC
• Nigeria Immigration Service
Inter-agency coordination was professional.
However, the presence of private security personnel in some locations raises compliance concerns under INEC guidelines.
6️⃣ **Voter Participation**
The election was generally peaceful across the FCT.
However, turnout was notably low in several polling units, particularly in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils.
Factors identified include:
• Perception that Area Council elections are less consequential
• Inadequate voter education
• Logistical delays
• Polling unit location confusion
• Economic/work pressures
• Religious observances (Ramadan & Lent)
7️⃣ **Political Parties**
Although 17 parties fielded candidates, only about eight deployed a full complement of party agents in observed locations.
Some agents present conducted themselves peacefully and signed result sheets where required.
8️⃣ **Vote Buying & Malpractice**
SPCB observers did not witness voter inducement in monitored polling units.
No major incidents of violence, disruption were reported in observed areas.
9️⃣ **Collation Process**
At the collation centre in Kubwa (Bwari Area Council):
• Results uploaded from polling units were physically cross-verified.
• Some party agents signed result sheets after verification.
• The process extended into the night.
While generators and lamps were used, inadequate lightings.
🔟 **Overall Assessment**
SPCB assesses that:
∆ The election was largely peaceful.
∆ INEC officials mostly adhered to procedures.
∆ BVAS strengthened process integrity.
∆ Security agencies acted professionally.
Require institutional attention.
1️⃣1️⃣ **Recommendations**
To INEC:
• Improve logistical planning
• Strengthen voter education partnerships
• Enhance early communication on polling unit locations
• Ensure adequate lighting at collation centres
• Enforce compliance on authorized security presence
To NOA AND CSOs:
• Intensify civic education campaigns
• Develop targeted youth and voter engagement strategies
1️⃣2️⃣ **Conclusion**
The 21 February 2026 FCT Area Council Election was conducted in a largely peaceful in polling units observed by SPCB.
Strengthening voter engagement, logistics, and collation infrastructure will further enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of future elections in the FCT.
FCTElections2026 ElectionObservation
Democracy #SPCB#
*FORWARD THINKING*
SOCIETY FOR PEACE AND CAPACITY BUILDING (SPCB)
PRELIMINARY ELECTION OBSERVATION STATEMENT
FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTION – 21 FEBRUARY 2026
° *Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria*
Released: 22 February 2026 | 9:00 a.m.
On 21 February 2026, INEC conducted elections into the six Area Councils of the FCT, covering 68 elective positions (6 Chairpersons and 62 Councillors).
1 According to INEC:
• Registered voters: 1,680,316
• PVCs collected: 1,587,025
• Total candidates: 637
• Participating parties: 17
2️⃣ SPCB deployed 25 trained, non-partisan observers across the six Area Councils.
Observers used a standardized checklist aligned with:
• INEC Regulations & Guidelines
• International election observation standards
A structured WhatsApp platform enabled real-time reporting and data verification.
3️⃣ **Opening of Polls**
INEC officials arrived between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, depending on location.
• Many polling units opened on time.
• Some experienced logistical delays.
4️⃣ **Accreditation & Voting**
Voting commenced between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in most observed polling units.
• BVAS functioned effectively in the majority of locations.
• Minor technical issues (under 20% of observed units) were promptly resolved.
• Isolated delays were noted in parts of Kwali Area Council.
BVAS use enhanced transparency and credibility.
5️⃣ **Security Deployment**
Security personnel were present in most polling units.
Agencies observed:
• Nigeria Police Force
• FRSC
• Nigerian Correctional Service
• NSCDC
• Nigeria Immigration Service
Inter-agency coordination was professional.
However, the presence of private security personnel in some locations raises compliance concerns under INEC guidelines.
6️⃣ **Voter Participation**
The election was generally peaceful across the FCT.
However, turnout was notably low in several polling units, particularly in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils.
Factors identified include:
• Perception that Area Council elections are less consequential
• Inadequate voter education
• Logistical delays
• Polling unit location confusion
• Economic/work pressures
• Religious observances (Ramadan & Lent)
7️⃣ **Political Parties**
Although 17 parties fielded candidates, only about eight deployed a full complement of party agents in observed locations.
Some agents present conducted themselves peacefully and signed result sheets where required.
8️⃣ **Vote Buying & Malpractice**
SPCB observers did not witness voter inducement in monitored polling units.
No major incidents of violence, disruption were reported in observed areas.
9️⃣ **Collation Process**
At the collation centre in Kubwa (Bwari Area Council):
• Results uploaded from polling units were physically cross-verified.
• Some party agents signed result sheets after verification.
• The process extended into the night.
While generators and lamps were used, inadequate lightings.
🔟 **Overall Assessment**
SPCB assesses that:
∆ The election was largely peaceful.
∆ INEC officials mostly adhered to procedures.
∆ BVAS strengthened process integrity.
∆ Security agencies acted professionally.
Require institutional attention.
1️⃣1️⃣ **Recommendations**
To INEC:
• Improve logistical planning
• Strengthen voter education partnerships
• Enhance early communication on polling unit locations
• Ensure adequate lighting at collation centres
• Enforce compliance on authorized security presence
To NOA AND CSOs:
• Intensify civic education campaigns
• Develop targeted youth and voter engagement strategies
1️⃣2️⃣ **Conclusion**
The 21 February 2026 FCT Area Council Election was conducted in a largely peaceful in polling units observed by SPCB.
Strengthening voter engagement, logistics, and collation infrastructure will further enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of future elections in the FCT.
FCTElections2026 ElectionObservation
Democracy #SPCB#
*FORWARD THINKING*
WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?
*Episodes of airline conflict—mostly between passengers and crew—often escalate from simple disagreements to aggression and even violence. Both parties are frequently blamed for a lack of tolerance. Poor conflict management, inappropriate mannerisms, arrogance, and a sense of entitlement can all contribute to communication breakdowns and further trouble. To prevent such crises, it is essential for airline staff to learn and apply effective communication strategies when interacting with the public. In my assessment, responsibility for these conflicts is shared by both passengers and crew.
WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?
*Episodes of airline conflict—mostly between passengers and crew—often escalate from simple disagreements to aggression and even violence. Both parties are frequently blamed for a lack of tolerance. Poor conflict management, inappropriate mannerisms, arrogance, and a sense of entitlement can all contribute to communication breakdowns and further trouble. To prevent such crises, it is essential for airline staff to learn and apply effective communication strategies when interacting with the public. In my assessment, responsibility for these conflicts is shared by both passengers and crew.
The theme:
"Healing the Community through Peace and Security."
With support from community leaders, we trained participants on:
✅ Conflict resolution
✅ Dialogue facilitation
✅ Sustainable farming & herding practices
✅ Environmental care