By Samuel Adeola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has released the final list of 17 candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2026.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, confirmed the development in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that the list was published after the statutory period for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates had lapsed. Earlier, INEC had published the particulars of candidates who emerged from party primaries on August 18, while 17 political parties submitted details of their candidates (Form EC9), by the August 11 deadline.
“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,” Olumekun said.
He added that the comprehensive list, which includes candidates’ political parties, age, gender, and academic qualifications has been uploaded on INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access.
