President Bola Tinubu has called on voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano State and Rivers State.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged all eligible voters to come out and vote without fear.
INEC is set to conduct elections in the six area councils of the FCT. The Commission will also hold bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, as well as in Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
Bye-elections are usually conducted to fill vacant seats in legislative houses. Such vacancies may arise due to death, resignation, court rulings or other circumstances that remove a lawmaker from office before the end of their term.
The FCT area council elections are important because they determine leadership at the grassroots level in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The six area councils play key roles in local development, including primary education, health services and community infrastructure.
President Tinubu said democracy works best when elections are conducted in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence and inflammatory statements that could create tension.
The President warned against any action that could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Nigeria has a history of election-related violence in some parts of the country. In previous election cycles, clashes between rival supporters, ballot snatching and voter intimidation were recorded in certain states.
Security agencies are often deployed heavily during elections to prevent breakdown of law and order.
In his message, Tinubu cautioned security personnel against high-handedness or intimidation of voters.
He stressed that their duty is to protect lives and property, as well as safeguard the ballot.
Security agencies, including the police and other forces, are expected to maintain neutrality and professionalism during the polls.
The President also appealed to INEC officials to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
He urged the Commission to guarantee timely accreditation of voters, proper voting procedures, accurate collation of results and prompt transmission of outcomes.
These measures, he said, are necessary to boost public confidence in the electoral system.
INEC has in recent years introduced reforms aimed at improving transparency. The use of technology, including electronic accreditation and digital transmission of results, has been expanded to reduce fraud and delays.
The 2026 Electoral Act provides the legal framework for conducting elections in Nigeria. It outlines procedures for voter registration, accreditation, collation and dispute resolution.
“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,” the President said in the statement.
He commended residents of the FCT, Kano and Rivers for their civic awareness and encouraged them to take part in the democratic process.
“I am confident that these elections will reflect the will of the people and further strengthen our democratic journey as a nation,” he added.
In Rivers State, political activities have remained intense in recent months due to ongoing political realignments. The bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II are therefore seen as significant for local political actors.
Similarly, in Kano State, the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies are politically active areas. The outcome of the elections may influence future political calculations in the state.
In the FCT, area council elections often draw interest because Abuja is home to many federal institutions and a diverse population from across Nigeria.
Civil society groups have also called for peaceful conduct during the polls. They have urged voters to reject vote-buying and report any irregularities to appropriate authorities.
Election observers are expected to monitor the process to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.
As preparations continue, INEC has assured the public of its readiness. The Commission has distributed materials to designated locations and trained officials for the exercise.
The President’s message comes at a time when Nigerians continue to demand stronger democratic institutions and greater accountability from elected leaders.
Free and fair elections are widely seen as the foundation of democracy. They allow citizens to choose their representatives and hold them accountable.
For many voters in the affected constituencies, Saturday’s elections present an opportunity to influence decisions that directly affect their communities.
With security agencies on alert and INEC promising transparency, attention now turns to how smoothly the polls will be conducted.
As Nigerians in the FCT, Kano and Rivers head to the ballot, the call from the President remains clear: participate peacefully, respect the rules and uphold the values of democracy.
