The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the final list of candidates for the February 21, 2026 Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council Election, confirming that 17 political parties were cleared to contest.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Olumekun said the parties successfully uploaded the particulars of their candidates, Form EC9, by the deadline of 6:00 p.m. on August 11, 2025, following the conclusion of primaries.
Accordingly, the Commission has released the final list of candidates, detailing their party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications.
The Commission noted that the publication of final list of candidates followed the expiration of the window for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
INEC said the information is available on its website and social media platforms for public access.
Olumekun stressed that with this publication, no further withdrawals or substitutions would be entertained, except in the event of the death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as stipulated in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
The 2026 FCT Area Council election is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
