By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has uploaded the final list of candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun, said the list contained details of 17 candidates cleared to contest.
Olumekun explained that the release followed the end of the legal period for the withdrawal or substitution of candidates. “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 noted that the list included the candidates’ political parties, ages, genders, and academic qualifications. According to him, “The comprehensive list of candidates has been uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public information and scrutiny.”
Olumekun added that INEC had earlier, on August 18, published the personal details of candidates who emerged from political party primaries. He reminded the public that 17 political parties submitted their candidates’ details by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, August 11.
The February polls will decide new leaders across the FCT’s six area councils.
