NIGERIA: Tinubu Urges INEC To Strengthen Voter Confidence Ahead Of FCT, Kano, Rivers Polls

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos , Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct themselves in an orderly manner during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano and Rivers states.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on February 20, 2026.

According to the statement, INEC is set to conduct elections across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, and in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.

The President urged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their franchise without fear, stressing that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect.

He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Tinubu also cautioned security agencies against any form of high-handedness or intimidation that could disenfranchise voters or erode public trust, emphasising that their role is to safeguard lives, property and the integrity of the ballot.

The President further urged INEC to take necessary measures to strengthen voters’ confidence by ensuring timely accreditation, seamless voting procedures, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026.

The president said: “Fellow Nigerians, I assure you that the Federal Government under my administration will continue to support institutions responsible for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.

“To all residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers, I commend your civic consciousness. I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” the

President stated.