ABUJA — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election slated for Saturday, February 21, 2026, declaring that no political party can withdraw or substitute its candidates except in the event of death.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, announced this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.
He recalled that on August 18, 2025, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from party primaries ahead of the poll.
“A total of 17 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. At the close of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates, the Commission has now published the final list,” Olumekun said.
According to him, the full list of candidates — including their party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications — has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access.
“With this publication, 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 under Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” he added.
The 2026 FCT Area Council Election is expected to be keenly contested across the six area councils, with heightened interest from political observers and residents of the nation’s capital.
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