The Independent National Electoral Commission, has released the final list of candidates for the Federal Capital Territory, Area Council elections scheduled to hold on February 21, 2026.
According to INEC, the publication includes candidates from 17 political parties who met all requirements, including the submission of nomination forms before the August 11, 2025 deadline.
The document contains the names, parties, ages, gender, and academic qualifications of all contestants for the elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the list has been made public to ensure transparency.
“The commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council election. The full list has been uploaded on our website and social media platforms for the information of the public,” Olumekun said.
He further explained that the release of the list marks the end of the nomination process except in special circumstances.
“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of the death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day, as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” he added.
The publication comes after INEC earlier displayed the personal particulars of candidates on August 18, 2025, in line with legal requirements following party primaries.
A total of 637 candidates will compete for 68 elective positions across the six area councils of the FCT: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. The positions include six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship slots.
INEC maintained that the move was in line with its commitment to openness and public engagement as the countdown to the election begins.
