The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections.
A total of 17 candidates representing various political parties will contest the polls scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2026.
The disclosure was made in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
He stated that the publication follows the expiration of the statutory period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates as provided by law.
Olumekun noted that the process leading to the final list began on August 18, when INEC published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from the primaries conducted by political parties.
By the deadline of 6 p.m. on August 11, a total of 17 political parties had successfully submitted their candidates’ details, formally captured on Form EC9.
“With the publication of this final list, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed,” Olumekun stated.
“The only exception to this rule is in the unfortunate event of the death of a candidate or running mate before election day, as stipulated by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.”
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The comprehensive document includes key information such as the names, political parties, age, gender, and academic qualifications of each candidate.
INEC has uploaded the list to its official website and social media platforms, ensuring that the public can freely access and scrutinize the information.
The February 2026 elections are of particular importance as the FCT is the only part of Nigeria where INEC conducts local council elections directly. Unlike other states, where state electoral commissions oversee council polls, INEC manages the FCT process under the 1999 Constitution.
This has historically given FCT council elections a higher level of transparency and national attention.
In past elections, major parties such as the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have dominated the FCT councils.
However, the increasing visibility of smaller parties, including those that gained traction in the 2023 general elections, suggests that this year’s contest may be more competitive.
Civil society groups have urged candidates to run issue-based campaigns focused on service delivery at the local level, particularly in areas like waste management, education, healthcare, and security, which directly affect residents of the FCT.
With the candidate list now finalized, the next phase of the electoral process will focus on political campaigns, voter education, and INEC’s logistical preparations.
All eyes will be on February 12, 2026, when Abuja residents head to the polls to elect their local council representatives.
NAN
