INEC Unveils Final List of 17 Candidates for 2026 FCT Council Elections

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

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

According to him, the release followed the conclusion of the statutory period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates as required by law.

INEC had earlier, on August 18, released the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from party primaries. Olumekun recalled that 17 political parties submitted details of their candidates (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 explained that the detailed list, including the candidates’ political parties, age, gender, and academic qualifications, had been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access and scrutiny.

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