The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the current chairmen of the six Area Councils and the 62 councilors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will see their tenure expire in June 2026. This announcement follows a surge in inquiries and requests for the release of election schedules, driven by a mistaken belief that the tenure still lasts for three years.
INEC acknowledged receiving inquiries from various quarters, including law firms, national and FCT chapters of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), individuals, political parties, and a forum for FCT Chairmanship Aspirants. Responding formally to the confusion surrounding the exact tenure expiration date, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu underscored that the current leadership will remain in office until June 2026.
Yakubu justified this decision with reference to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), which was in force during the Area Council elections held on February 12, 2022. The National Assembly’s amendment to the Act extended the tenure of Area Councils from three to four years, aligning it with the terms of national executive and legislative offices nationwide.
Speaking at a meeting with IPAC leadership in Abuja, Yakubu summarized that the inquiries largely focused on the tenure of Area Councils and a request for INEC to release the election timetable and schedule of activities. He clarified that although the Electoral Act initially stipulated a three-year tenure for chairmen and councilors, subsequent amendments extended this period, ensuring the current term lasts until June 2026.
Yakubu emphasized that tenure is defined not by the date of election but by the oath of office for executive officials or the inauguration of legislative bodies. He clarified that while executive tenure belongs to the elected individual, legislative tenure is held collectively by the Legislature.
