*Says replacement, withdrawal has ended
By Folorunso Alagbede, in Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has published the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election fixed for Saturday 21st February 2026.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, VEC, Mr Sam Olumekun on Monday in Abuja.
The commission explained that the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded on its website and social media platforms for public information.
With this publication, the commission said that 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 by Olumekun reads: “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”, it said.
