RismadarVoice Reporters, February 20, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for peaceful and orderly conduct as residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kano and Rivers states head to the polls on Saturday.
The President urged voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge their responsibilities with restraint and a strong sense of duty, stressing that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere of calm, tolerance and mutual respect.
INEC is scheduled to conduct area council elections across the six councils of the FCT, alongside bye-elections in Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies in Rivers State, and Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu encouraged all eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise without fear.
He appealed to political lparties, candidates and their supporters to avoid violence, provocative rhetoric and any action capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
The President also warned against high-handedness or intimidation by security agencies, emphasising that their role is to protect lives, property and the sanctity of the ballot, not to disenfranchise voters.
Tinubu further urged INEC to strengthen public confidence by ensuring timely accreditation of voters, seamless voting procedures, accurate collation and prompt transmission of results in compliance with the 2026 Electoral Act.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to free, fair and credible elections, the President expressed confidence that the polls would reflect the will of the people and further consolidate Nigeria’s democratic journey.
