•A ballot box
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates for the area council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Earlier, the Commission fixed Saturday, February 21, 2026 for the exercise in the nation’s capital, reports Channels TV.
In a statement today, the electoral body declared that, except in the event of death, political parties can no longer withdraw or replace their candidates.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before election day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act”, the statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, partly read.
He recalled that on August 18, 2025, the commission published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the 2026 FCT area council election.
“A total of 17 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday August 11, 2025 and at the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
“Consequently, the commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT area council election,” the electoral body stated.
It also said that 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.
See the full statement below:
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2026 FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) AREA COUNCIL ELECTION
It will be recalled that on 18th August 2025, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election. A total of 17 Political Parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 and at the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
Consequently, 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.
With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
The FCT Area Council election will hold on Saturday 21st February 2026.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee
Monday 22nd September 2025
