By Reportcircle-Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the definitive list of candidates for the hotly anticipated 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The announcement, issued on Monday, September 22, 2025 in a press statement made available to newsmen by Mr. Sam Olumekun, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), marks the official close of all candidate substitutions and withdrawals under the Electoral Act.
“With the publication of this final list, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed, except in the unfortunate event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day,” Olumekun warned, citing Section 34(1) of the law.
Seventeen political parties beat the August 11th deadline to submit their nominees’ personal details (Form EC9), with INEC confirming that particulars including party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications are now live on its website and social media platforms for public scrutiny.
The final list sets the stage for a fierce political contest in the nation’s capital, as parties gear up for what observers already predict will be a high-stakes test of grassroots influence and voter mobilization.
INEC insists the process is transparent and urges residents of the FCT to examine the list closely as they prepare to make their choice at the ballot.
