INEC releases final list of 17 Candidates for 2026 FCT Area Council elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 17 candidates who will contest in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2026.

Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

He explained that the publication followed the conclusion of the legally required window for withdrawal and substitution of candidates. Earlier on August 18, the commission had released the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from their parties’ primaries.

Olumekun recalled that 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 allowed, except in the unfortunate 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.

He further noted that the full list, including candidates’ political parties, age, gender, and academic qualifications, has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access and scrutiny.