INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for 2026 FCT Area Council Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of 17 candidates for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 12, 2026.

This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to Olumekun, the release of the final list follows the completion of the legally mandated period for candidate withdrawal and substitution.

INEC had previously published the personal details of candidates nominated by their parties on August 18, based on the outcomes of party primaries.

Olumekun noted that all 17 political parties submitted their candidates’ details (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, August 11.

“With the publication of this final list, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be permitted—except in the unfortunate event of a candidate or running mate’s death before the election day, as outlined in Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” he stated.

He added that the full list, including candidates’ names, political affiliations, age, gender, and academic qualifications, is now available on INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access and verification.