By Laraba MUREY
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday released the final list of candidates who will contest in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election scheduled for February 21, 2026.
According to the commission, the final list includes candidates from 17 political parties who successfully uploaded their nomination forms and met the August 11, 2025, deadline.
The list contains details such as the candidates’ names, parties, ages, gender, and academic qualifications.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC confirmed that the full list has been made publicly accessible.
“The commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election.
“The full list of the candidates by party, age, gender, and academic qualifications has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” Olumekun said.
He noted that this publication marks the closure of the nomination process, except in cases where the law provides for replacement.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of the death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” he stated.
The publication of the final list followed the earlier display of candidates’ personal particulars on August 18, 2025, as required by law, following party primaries.
Candidates are vying for 68 seats in the 2026 Area Council election.
The figure, which includes six chairmanship and 62 councillorship positions across the six area councils- Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
The media reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission announced that 637 candidates will vie for 68 seats in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council election.
